By Abbas Nazil
Nigeria’s vast maritime potential risks continued underutilization unless urgent and deliberate steps are taken, according to the Blue Economy Academy (BEA) during its inaugural “Code Blue” monthly ocean intelligence forum.
Held virtually, the forum issued a clarion call to stakeholders—including policymakers, industry experts, academics, and civil society—to move beyond rhetoric and translate Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy policy into practical, measurable actions.
Mr. Ubong Essien, Founder of BEA and convener of the Code Blue Initiative, described the term “Code Blue” as a strategic alert to awaken national consciousness about the country’s ocean frontier. He noted that Nigeria, with an 853 km coastline, continues to suffer from what he termed “sea blindness,” failing to leverage the opportunities within its maritime ecosystem.
He emphasized that the sea’s relevance to everyday life is vast, with about 80% of imported goods—including food and clothing—impacted by maritime operations.
A communiqué issued at the end of the forum framed the situation as a “now-or-never” moment, warning that the global spotlight on Africa’s blue resources is intensifying and Nigeria must act quickly to secure its share.
The participants agreed that Nigeria’s recently introduced 10-Year Marine and Blue Economy Policy must be backed by an actionable implementation plan, complete with clearly outlined projects, agency responsibilities, deadlines, and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mr. Temisan Omatseye, stressed the importance of having not just a strategy but performance metrics to measure progress.
The forum called for an urgent shift from government-private sector rivalry to collaborative partnerships, fostering synergy instead of conflict.
It also advocated for the introduction of maritime education and ocean literacy into school curricula, especially in coastal communities.
Ms. Violet Williams underscored the gravity of disconnect by asking, “If a child in Port Harcourt doesn’t know the color of water, we have a problem.”
Training and certification of seafarers were identified as areas needing immediate investment to ensure Nigeria’s maritime professionals are competitive on a global scale.
In terms of infrastructure, the communiqué recommended optimizing and maintaining existing ports while investing in vital enablers such as hydrographic surveys and inland waterway dredging.
The forum criticized unchecked port expansion projects as wasteful and misleading, likening them to “greenwashing” tactics that fail to deliver actual benefits.
Mrs. Vivian Azubuike, Director-General of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, cautioned against such projects that drain resources without contributing to national development.
Another significant resolution called for enhanced promotion of Nigerian content in shipbuilding and shipping services.
The use of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) to support local vessel acquisition or assembly was strongly endorsed as a step toward economic self-reliance.
Developing the neglected inland waterways was emphasized as a path to economic integration and national cohesion.
The communiqué warned: “Semantics is too much. We need action.”
