The Federal Government has announced plans to create five million new jobs through the blue economy, with young people and women identified as priority beneficiaries under the initiative.
Speaking at the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, said the ocean sector had become a critical component of Nigeria’s national development strategy, supporting food security, trade, energy generation, and coastal livelihoods.
Ambassador Enikanolaye noted that the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 marked a strategic effort to harness the economic potential of Nigeria’s 853-kilometre coastline and strengthen the country’s interests within the Gulf of Guinea.
He disclosed that the government had launched a Blue Economy Action Plan aimed at expanding opportunities in fisheries, shipping, maritime tourism, and renewable energy.
According to the Federal Government, the initiative is intended to transform marine resources into inclusive economic opportunities while improving livelihoods in vulnerable coastal communities.
“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,” the government stated.
The Federal Government also called for stronger collaboration among African countries to address illegal fishing, marine pollution, and maritime insecurity.
It stressed that effective ocean governance is closely linked to national sovereignty, environmental sustainability, and climate resilience, underscoring the need for coordinated action to unlock employment opportunities and secure long-term economic benefits for coastal populations.
