Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd.) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, is calling for urgent innovation, policy action, and strategic collaboration to unlock Nigeria’s vast blue economy potential. He made this known on Monday when he received participants from Study Group 7 of the Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Vice Admiral Ibas stressed the importance of moving Nigeria beyond its heavy dependence on oil, pointing out that the maritime sector offers untapped opportunities for job creation, food security, climate resilience, and sustainable revenue. He noted that a well-developed blue economy could yield over $296 million annually for the country, covering sectors like shipping, marine tourism, aquaculture, offshore energy, and biotechnology.
“To truly harness these opportunities, we must shift from extractive to regenerative, inclusive, and innovation-led practices,” he said. He called for coordinated efforts, strong infrastructure, political will, and intergovernmental partnerships to drive meaningful impact.
He also urged coastal states to adapt the national blue economy policy to suit their local contexts, ensuring their strategies reflect comparative advantages and are backed by sound planning, investment, and regulation.
Highlighting Rivers State’s strategic role, Ibas cited its 30% share of Nigeria’s coastline, significant oil and gas production (over 40%), and major maritime assets, including two key seaports, two refineries, and the NLNG terminal in Bonny Island.
However, he acknowledged pressing challenges such as pollution, maritime insecurity, illegal refining, coastal erosion, and weak infrastructure.
The Administrator reaffirmed his government’s commitment to institutional reform, marine education, coastal management, and collaboration to ensure long-term sustainability. “Sustainability must be embedded from the beginning, not treated as an afterthought,” he emphasized.
Leader of the NIPSS delegation, Vice Admiral A.A. Mustapha, said their visit was part of a national tour aligned with their 2025 research theme: “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities.” He noted that the group is gathering insights to shape policy recommendations that will support sustainable blue economy development.
