Nigeria plans to create five million ocean-based jobs by 2035 as part of a comprehensive strategy to unlock the economic potential of its maritime sector, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced.
Speaking through the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, at the opening ceremony of the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, on Wednesday, Tinubu described Nigeria’s ocean resources as critical to the country’s sovereignty, security and economic prosperity.
The President said Nigeria’s vast maritime assets play a crucial role in food security, trade, energy production and livelihoods, stressing that sustainable ocean governance is essential for Africa’s stability and growth.
“As a major maritime nation with about 853 kilometres of coastline along the Gulf of Guinea, Nigeria has a vital stake in ocean governance,” he said. “The health of our oceans directly determines the prosperity and security of our people and the continent.”
Tinubu noted that since taking office in May 2023, his administration has prioritised the development of the blue economy, including the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs to drive sustainable exploitation of marine resources.
He unveiled a National Blue Economy Action Plan aimed at generating five million jobs by 2035 across key sectors including fisheries, maritime transport, tourism and renewable energy. According to him, the initiative will place special emphasis on empowering young people and women.
The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and called for stronger regional cooperation to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities.
He warned that such practices continue to threaten economic stability, deplete marine resources and undermine food security across the region.
Tinubu urged African nations and global partners to deepen collaboration on ocean conservation and sustainable resource management, saying the future prosperity of coastal communities depends on the protection and responsible use of marine ecosystems.
