By Emeka Amaefula
COASTAL STATES URGED TO HARNESS BLUE ECONOMY POTENTIAL
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, RTD has called on coastal states in Nigeria to domesticate the National Blue Economy Framework. This framework aims to unlock the vast potential of the blue economy, promoting sustainable development and economic growth.
In his speech he emphasized on Key Points of the benefits of Blue Economy Potential to include a fully developed blue economy that could generate over $296 million annually for Nigeria, spanning fisheries, shipping and logistics, marine tourism, offshore renewable energy, aquaculture, biotechnology, and coastal infrastructure.
Other benefits he said include Strategic Advantages of Rivers State; the state he said boasts nearly 30% of Nigeria’s coastline with over 40% of crude oil and gas output, and more than 33% of the country’s GDP and foreign exchange earnings.
However he identified some Challenges to the realization of the benefits such as Pollution, coastal erosion, illegal oil refining, unregulated fishing, inadequate infrastructure, and maritime insecurity that hinder the growth of the blue economy in Rivers State.
He came up with strategies to be used to unlocking Opportunities of the Blue Economy in the state as he said to harness the potential of the blue economy, Vice Admiral Ibas emphasized the need for Innovation-driven strategies; Developing tailored approaches to maximize benefits;Strategic partnerships; Collaborating with stakeholders to drive growth. Firm policy implementation; Ensuring effective governance and regulation.
And for the commitment to Sustainable Development, he said the Rivers State administration is committed to institutional reforms, coastal zone management, and inter-agency collaboration. Vice Admiral Ibas highlighted the importance of embedding sustainability in development models and exploring partnerships in areas like maritime education and renewable ocean energy ¹.
NIPSS Study Group’s Mission
The National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) Study Group 7, Executive Course 47, visited the Rivers State Government House to deepen their understanding of policy efforts and institutional roles in advancing sustainable development through the blue economy. Their theme for 2025 is “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities”.
———Emeka Amaefula —+234(0)8111813069—-