FG targets five million blue economy jobs by 2035

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to harnessing the vast potential of the blue economy, announcing plans to create five million ocean-based jobs by 2035 while strengthening maritime security, environmental protection and regional cooperation across Africa.

The President made the commitment at the opening ceremony of the 11th edition of the Our Ocean Conference held in Mombasa, Kenya, where he was represented by Sola Enikanolaiye, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs.

Tinubu said Nigeria views its oceans and coastal resources as critical assets for economic growth, food security, trade, energy development and national security.

He commended the Government of Kenya for hosting the global conference and expressed appreciation to William Ruto, Kenyan President for inviting Nigeria to participate in discussions aimed at protecting and sustainably managing the world’s oceans.

According to him, the conference demonstrates the collective determination of nations to safeguard the oceans for present and future generations.

Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s strategic maritime position, noting that the country controls about 853 kilometres of coastline and remains a key stakeholder in the Gulf of Guinea.

He said the health of the oceans is directly linked to Africa’s economic stability and prosperity, stressing that maritime resources are central to the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.

“Our ocean resources are central to food security, trade, energy and livelihoods. For Nigeria, the ocean is not only a source of prosperity but also a pillar of sovereignty, security and climate resilience,” he said.

The President noted that shortly after assuming office in May 2023, his administration elevated the blue economy agenda by establishing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, a move aimed at unlocking opportunities in shipping, fisheries, maritime tourism and other ocean-related sectors.

Tinubu disclosed that Nigeria has launched a National Blue Economy Action Plan designed to drive inclusive growth through sustainable exploitation of marine resources.

Under the initiative, the government aims to generate five million new jobs by 2035, with particular attention to women and young people.

He said the plan would leverage opportunities in fisheries, shipping, maritime tourism and renewable energy while ensuring that vulnerable coastal communities benefit from economic activities linked to the ocean.

The President also called for equitable financing arrangements and technology transfer mechanisms to help African coastal states maximise the benefits of ocean-based industries.

According to him, the continent’s vast marine resources remain underutilised despite their enormous potential to contribute significantly to national economies and gross domestic product growth.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to international maritime governance, Tinubu pledged continued adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and other rules-based frameworks governing the oceans.

He urged stronger cooperation among African countries to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, describing the practice as a major threat to food security and economic development across the continent.

The President said Nigeria is investing heavily in maritime surveillance and domain awareness systems to protect its territorial waters and maritime resources.

On environmental sustainability, Tinubu underscored the growing link between climate change and ocean health, warning that coastal communities remain among the most vulnerable to climate-related impacts.

He announced Nigeria’s commitment to expanding marine protected areas by 2030 and restoring half of the country’s degraded mangrove ecosystems.

The President also pledged support for a continent-wide initiative aimed at eliminating single-use plastics, noting that marine pollution continues to threaten biodiversity, ecosystems and livelihoods.

He called on the international community to support efforts aimed at reducing pollution and protecting marine environments.

Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s leadership role in implementing the Yaoundé Architecture, a regional framework designed to enhance maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea.

He stressed the need for increased joint naval patrols, intelligence sharing and stronger regional cooperation to secure African waters against piracy, armed robbery and other maritime crimes.

According to him, maritime security is closely linked to food security, trade facilitation and peacebuilding.

The President stated that Nigeria’s investments in modern technology and improved naval capabilities have contributed significantly to reducing piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, thereby improving freedom of navigation and commercial shipping activities within the sub-region.

Tinubu also advocated stronger partnerships among African coastal nations, particularly between Nigeria and Kenya, to advance ocean diplomacy and sustainable maritime development.

He encouraged development finance institutions, private sector operators and civil society organisations to support sustainable ocean financing initiatives.

The President further stressed the importance of ensuring greater participation of women and young people in ocean governance and decision-making processes.

According to him, inclusive participation would help unlock employment opportunities and strengthen sustainable management of marine resources.

Tinubu also disclosed Nigeria arrived in Mombasa with a clear message that the oceans belong to humanity and must be protected through collective action.

He reaffirmed the country’s readiness to collaborate with regional and global partners in building a future where maritime sovereignty is respected, security is guaranteed and economic prosperity is shared.

“Our ocean is our common heritage and its future depends on the collective action we take today. Nigeria stands ready to lead, collaborate and contribute to building a continent where maritime sovereignty is respected, security is guaranteed and prosperity is shared,” he said.