ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to harnessing the economic potential of its marine resources, unveiling plans to create five million ocean-based jobs while calling for stronger African collaboration to combat illegal fishing and maritime insecurity.
Tinubu made the pledge on Wednesday at the opening of the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya.
The President was represented at the event by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye.
Addressing participants, Tinubu described Nigeria’s ocean resources as critical to food security, trade, energy and livelihoods, stressing that the country’s blue economy agenda remains a key pillar of its development strategy.
“Our ocean resources are central to food security, trade, energy and the livelihood of Nigeria. For Nigeria, the ocean is not only a source of prosperity but also a pillar of sovereignty, security and climate resilience,” Tinubu said.
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The President noted that his administration elevated the blue economy to a national priority following the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023, a move aimed at maximising the country’s maritime assets while promoting sustainable ocean governance.
With about 853 kilometres of coastline and strategic interests in the Gulf of Guinea, Tinubu said Nigeria remains committed to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and rule-based ocean governance.
He called for enhanced cooperation among African nations to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which he described as a major threat to food security and economic stability across the continent.
Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria has launched a Blue Economy Action Plan focused on developing fisheries, shipping, maritime tourism and renewable energy to drive inclusive economic growth.
“We have launched a blue economy action plan aimed at developing fisheries, shipping, maritime tourism and renewable energy. This will enable us to achieve our pledge to create five million new jobs based on the ocean, prioritising youth and women, and ensuring that ocean industries uplift vulnerable coastal communities,” he said.
The President stressed the importance of equitable financing and technology transfer to help African countries unlock the full value of their maritime resources, noting that the continent’s ocean-based assets remain largely underutilised.
He also announced Nigeria’s environmental commitments, including expanding marine protected areas by 2030, restoring 50 per cent of degraded mangroves and supporting continental efforts to eliminate single-use plastics.
Tinubu urged stronger international support to address marine pollution and other threats to ocean ecosystems and coastal communities.
On maritime security, he highlighted Nigeria’s role in the Yaoundé Architecture for maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and advocated stronger regional collaboration through joint patrols, intelligence sharing and harmonised regulatory frameworks.
“Maritime security is inseparable from food security, trade facilitation and peace-building,” Tinubu said.
He added that investments in modern technology and enhanced naval capabilities had contributed to a significant reduction in piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, improving freedom of navigation and commercial shipping activities.
The President further emphasised the need for partnerships involving governments, development finance institutions, private-sector operators and civil society groups to mobilise sustainable funding for ocean governance.
He also called for greater participation of women and young people in ocean governance and decision-making processes, saying inclusive leadership is essential to unlocking employment and economic opportunities within the maritime sector.
“Our ocean is our common heritage, and its future depends on the collective action we take today. We stand ready to collaborate, to lead, and to contribute to building a continent where maritime sovereignty is respected, security is guaranteed, and prosperity is shared,” Tinubu said.