By Abbas Nazil
The Federal Government of Nigeria has launched a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy with an ambitious target of achieving 7 percent annual growth in the sector and creating 100,000 new jobs each year, amounting to at least one million jobs by 2034.
The policy was unveiled by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, as part of the administration’s drive to harness Nigeria’s vast ocean resources to support economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and inclusive job creation.
The initiative aligns with the Blue Economy Vision 2034 and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the policy document, this growth will be driven by an enabling environment for private-sector investment, the overhaul of infrastructure at offshore terminals, seaports, and inland waterways, and the domestication of relevant international maritime conventions and protocols.
The government also plans to accelerate legislative reforms to promote business competitiveness in the marine sector.
A major feature of the policy is a focused investment promotion campaign targeting public-private partnerships (PPPs) for the development of maritime infrastructure such as modernised ports, cold-chain logistics systems, and new vessels.
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Investment will also be encouraged in key blue economy value chains including aquaculture, fisheries, shipbuilding, logistics, marine tourism, and renewable ocean energy.
The job creation component is broad-based, with employment opportunities anticipated in port construction, shipping crew recruitment, and technical services in new nationwide fish storage and distribution facilities.
The policy prioritizes inclusivity, with 50% of the new jobs targeted at youth aged 18 to 35, and 70% reserved for women and persons with special needs.
President Tinubu, in a policy statement, described the blue economy as central to tackling unemployment, poverty, and climate change.
He emphasized that Nigeria’s 853-kilometre coastline and expansive Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) are valuable national assets with untapped potential across fisheries, shipping, tourism, and marine energy.
The president stressed that the policy adopts a comprehensive approach to sustainable marine resource management, biodiversity conservation, and maritime trade.
He also highlighted the role of science, technology, and innovation in driving balanced and inclusive development in the sector.
The government expects the new policy to position Nigeria as a leading maritime nation in Africa, while strengthening the country’s food systems, boosting livelihoods, and building resilience against economic and environmental shocks.
