President Bola Tinubu has launched a new plan to develop Nigeria’s marine and aquatic resources under the blue economy. He presented the plan during a meeting with Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Stus at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. Vice President Kashim Shettima spoke for the president at the event.
Mr Tinubu directed relevant ministries, departments and agencies to review the NIPSS study on the blue economy and to begin work on its recommendations immediately. He said the government will turn the country’s coastal and water resources into a major source of jobs and new income. “The blue economy offers a strategic pathway for diversifying our revenue base, creating sustainable employment, and revitalising the ecosystems that sustain national development. If properly harnessed, this sector could become an anchor of shared prosperity for generations.”
He praised the NIPSS report as timely and useful. He pointed to Nigeria’s 853 kilometre coastline, rich fisheries, wide inland waterways and its position in the Gulf of Guinea as clear strengths.
The plan will focus on expanding aquaculture, modernising ports and maritime routes, growing coastal tourism, backing marine biotechnology and developing ocean based renewable energy. The new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy will lead efforts to improve port systems, boost maritime security and attract private investment.
Mr Tinubu said the economic goals depend on security at sea. He noted that piracy has fallen since the Deep Blue Project but warned that oil theft, illegal fishing, smuggling, vandalism and kidnapping still hurt national revenue and scare investors. “These threats are real, and this administration is taking decisive steps to address them,” he said.
He also gave NIPSS a larger role on national security. The institute will carry out a nationwide security review and produce clear recommendations to guide ces in Nigeria’s security setup.
Im not convinced Tinubus plan will really benefit Nigerias economy. We need more concrete details and transparency before celebrating.
Is Tinubu really the right person to lead this initiative? I have my doubts, but lets see how it plays out.
Im not convinced. How can Tinubu focus on the blue economy when there are so many pressing issues on land? Seems like a distraction.
Interesting move by Tinubu, but will it truly benefit the economy or just be another empty promise? Time will tell.
Im not convinced Tinubu can pull this off. Lets see if he can deliver on his promises for Nigerias maritime sector.
Interesting move by Tinubu, but will this actually address the root causes of maritime insecurity in Nigeria? Lets wait and see.
Wow, Tinubus plan sounds ambitious! Do you think he can really make a difference in Nigerias maritime sector? Lets discuss!
Im not convinced Tinubu has the expertise for this. Why not focus on existing issues first? Seems like a distraction.