By Faridat Salifu
Nigeria is to host the Blue Economy Investment Summit from 9 to 11 March 2026 in Lagos, to position the country as West Africa’s maritime and coastal hub.
The summit is organised by the Maritime Innovation Hub in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. President Bola Tinubu is expected to officially open the event.
Princess Ronke Kosoko, CEO of the Maritime Innovation Hub, said the summit will provide a platform for investors, development partners, and government agencies to explore opportunities in maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture, shipbuilding, offshore energy, tourism, and marine biotechnology.
“Nigeria’s coastline of over 850 km and an exclusive economic zone of more than 200 nautical miles presents untapped opportunities that, if fully leveraged, could drive industrialisation, job creation, and economic diversification,” Kosoko said.
The summit will bring together all 36 state governors and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory to align state-level marine policies with national strategies.
Key institutions, including the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, NEXIM Bank, Bank of Industry, Bank of Agriculture, World Bank, African Development Bank, and representatives from the Canadian and United States embassies, have also been invited.
Kosoko highlighted that Nigeria’s Blue Economy currently contributes less than three per cent to GDP, underscoring the need for coordinated investment, better data management, and policy reforms to unlock its full potential.
She stressed that addressing systemic inefficiencies in ports and logistics could significantly reduce trade costs and enhance competitiveness.
The summit is expected to drive public-private partnerships, attract both local and international investors, and accelerate the country’s maritime and coastal development agenda, positioning Nigeria as a leader in sustainable Blue Economy growth.
