Blue Economy opportunities in Nigeria

Blue economy is an emerging and important concept towards climate adaptation, mitigation and achieving of the sustainable development goals. Blue economy emphasizes the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and development. It is not only a viable economic activity but also a climate mitigation strategy. Nigeria, with its vast coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, is well-positioned to achieve the potential of the blue economy. The ocean as a resource can be used in a way that is environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and economically beneficial. Lakes, rivers, and coastal areas are among the most significant habitats on the planet, and they represent a priceless part of our natural heritage and ecosystem. Nigeria’s coastline stretches for 420 nautical miles and covers an exclusive economic zone of 200 nautical miles. Its maritime interests span the Gulf of Guinea, covering roughly 574,800 square nautical miles with a 2,874 nautical mile coastline. The blue economy incorporates a unique strategy for the commercialization of marine, lake, river, and other bodies of water resources. The concept aims to market economic progress, social

inclusion, and livelihood maintenance or enhancement while also

contributing to sustainable development and climate adaptation pathways.

The Opportunities for the Blue economy include fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport, renewable energy, tourism, marine biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and a host of other benefits from the blue economy.

With all these also blue economies are an important part of climate change mitigation and adaptation. Nigeria needs to condition herself to maximize the blue economy benefits. For the policy and legislative frameworks that support the blue economy internationally and nationally.

 At the international level, the blue economy is recognized in The United Nations recognizes the blue economy at the 14th Sustainable Development Growth (SDG).⁶ The blue economy is part of the African Union’s Agenda 2063; the 2014 Africa’s Integrated Maritime Strategy (2050 AIMS); the 2014 Policy Framework and Reform Strategy for Fisheries and Aquaculture in Africa (PFRS); the 2015 UN Agenda 2030 (Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs); and the 2016 African Charter on Maritime Security and Safety and Development in Africa (Lomé Charter). The African Union has identified the blue economy as a key tool to attaining ‘a prosperous Africa’ based on inclusive growth and sustainable development within the context of the Africa Union Agenda 2063. Nigeria has established a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy but is yet to have a dedicated or harmonized policy or legislation that will cater to its blue economy vision. Some of the legislations that regulate maritime activities in Nigeria are; 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act 2007 (“NIMASA Act”), Merchant Shipping Act 2007 (“MSA”), the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act and the Admiralty Jurisdiction Act (“AJA”), National Inland Waterways Authority Act, Territorial Waters Act 1967, Territorial Waters (Amendment) Act 1998, Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1978, Continental Shelf Act 2012, MARPOL and United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea 1982 (“UNCLOS”), It has been noted that the effective implementation of the UNCLOS is necessary for the successful actualization of the blue economy concept. The UNCLOS sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out, including the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources.

Nigeria stands to benefit immensely from the blue economy as they constitute an important part of the ecosystem. As stated earlier, the blue economy cuts across all maritime activities, which include shipping, tourism, fishing, maritime transportation, food production, ocean bottom extractive activities, marine biotechnology and bioprospecting, mineral exploration/extraction, etc. The creation of a Ministry for Marine and Blue Economy. With the creation of the Ministry, it is obvious that Nigeria, like its counterparts in Africa and other parts of the world economy. The emerging areas of interest in the blue economy include tourism, ocean-bottom extractive activities, sea-bed explorations, blue energy, marine biotechnology, and bioprospecting.

Nigeria has different legislations that deal with activities on its aquatic ecosystem. Some of these laws have become obsolete and require amendments to reflect the emerging areas of maritime interest. For instance, the Sea Fisheries Act 1992 does not have a provision for Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing and other evolving fisheries sustainability principles which were not considered at the time of its enactment. Sustainable fisheries are an essential component of a prosperous blue economy, with marine fisheries contributing more than US$270 billion annually to global GDP  Fish is a key source of food, and income and an important source of animal protein, essential micronutrients, and omega- fatty acids. Fish stocks are greatly affected by illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing

It is estimated that Nigeria loses, 600million dollars annually to fishing done by foreign vessels as a result of inadequate manpower to police the country’s vast coastline and spends 800 million dollars annually on fish importation. Therefore, the licensing and regular monitoring of foreign vessels operational in Nigerian waterways and oceans is very essential to prevent and curb the IUUF menace. The Nigerian Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act24 (“Cabotage Act”) has come into effect to ensure that only indigenous vessels and persons can conduct trade of any kind on Nigerian waters. So, there is also the need to license and monitor them just like their foreign counterparts. Similarly, the legislation in Nigeria does not cater for the utilization of ocean resources as a means of tourism/tourist attractions, even though Nigeria brags of viable waterways, lagoons and another aquatic ecosystems. Tourism is highlighted as becoming the largest global business and employs 1 out of every 11 persons globally. Areas in Nigeria that have been identified that can benefit from tourism and being developed as such, as a key component of the blue economy, include Ibeju Lekki, Ogun waterside, Eti Osa, Akuku Toru Rivers, Nike Lake, Oron, Ibeno, Degema etc.

The National Inland Waterways Authority Act 31 defines internal waters as “all waters on the landward side of the baseline of the territorial sea. This especially the transport aspect of the blue economy and the areas that cover every place that is covered marine transport, especially in the Niger Delta and areas bordering River Niger, river Benue, Lagos, cross river and others. This will create a huge transportation industry and employment and other accessory businesses around.  

The blue economy architecture is an important aspect of climate adaptation and mitigation. It should be encouraged to actualize the huge potential.

Ogwu Paul Okwuchukwu

Isdfoundation