Major stakeholders and players in the maritime subsector of the Nigerian economy, converging for a three-day conference on harnessing the potential of the blue economy, have made a case for a strategic diversification for a more sustainable growth and development of the country.
The conference held in Ikot Ekpene local government area of Akwa Ibom, according to organisers, aimed at revamping the maritime resources for job creation, foreign exchange and over-dependence on oil proceeds.
Although the Akwa Ibom state government has launched a drive to attract greater investment in the maritime economy, Governor Umo Eno regretted that the lack of investors, combined with other factors, has delayed the development of the Ibom Deep seaport project, the major driving force.
Addressing the forum, the Governor, represented by the attorney general and commissioner for justice, Uko Udom, explained that all the regulations, certifications, and approvals required for the project have been met, with roads leading to the seaport proper already under construction.
“Ibom Deep Seaport is not going to be a white elephant thing. I can assure you the work has gone very far. We’ve met all the regulatory imperatives on the ground.
“We have all the certifications, all the required approvals and the roads under construction leading to the seaport proper. This is the most natural seaport you can ever have in Nigeria. There’ll be no dredging of any sort.
“Originally, the Navy wanted to use it as the headquarters of the Eastern Naval Command, but I don’t know what happened. We thank God they didn’t use it, because it would serve the entire region more as a deep-seaport, diverting traffic away from Lagos congestion and dealing with the Central African Republic and the hinterlands of Nigeria.
“We will work very hard to ensure it happens. It’s an investment that can only happen if we attract foreign investment during the construction of a deep-sea port. Not only can Nigeria as a nation do it alone. We are still working to attract investment in that regard and I’m sure it will work out,” he stated.
Eno explained that the government is already embarking on a multi-billion naira marine infrastructure project to revive maritime transportation, create commercial activity within the maritime corridor in the State, by creating direct and indirect employment around the maritime ecosystem.
“Work is currently ongoing in such areas as shore protection, terminal building, passenger warehouses, and cold rooms to ensure our fishermen are able to get the most economic benefits for their efforts in a sustainable manner,” he said.
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, described the summit as strategic and timely, as the blue economy was pivotal to the nation’s pursuit of a diversified economy.
Abbas, who was represented by Rear Admiral Sunday Atakpa, noted that the sustainable development of the Niger Delta was connected to the effective governance and security of Nigeria’s maritime domain.
He recalled that the Nigerian Navy had established the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMIN) in June 2024 to build the knowledge base for Nigeria’s blue economy.
The Navy chief therefore assured that the Navy would continue to safeguard critical maritime infrastructure, protect marine resources, and suppress illegal activities and other maritime crimes that undermine development in the region, as well as support collaborative efforts targeted at long-term stability, investor confidence, and inclusive growth in the Niger Delta.
“Nigeria has a vantage geographical position in the resource-rich Gulf of Guinea, and the shores of the country are blue economy endowments. Interestingly, aside from these endowments, Lagos and a small portion of Ogun state are located in the Niger Delta.
“To sustainably enhance these resources, which offer huge potential for national development, a secure, stable, and well-regulated maritime environment is required.
“It is in recognition of this trite truth that the Nigerian Navy places maritime security at the centre of national efforts to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy opportunities through sustained presence at sea, enhanced maritime domain awareness, robust interagency collaboration and partnerships with regional and international stakeholders.
“The Nigerian Navy remains committed to safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure, protecting marine resources and suppressing illegal activities such as food oil theft, piracy, illegal bunkering and other maritime crimes that undermine development in the region,” he stated.
