Ministry Urged to Take Lead in Nigeria’s Blue Economy Drive

Stakeholders from Nigeria’s maritime, environment and business sectors have expressed support for AFMESI’s newly-launched ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) blueprint, and have called on the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to lead its implementation to unlock the nation’s blue economy potential.

At a recent multi-sector forum held in Lagos, participants reviewed the document produced by AFMESI, which outlines key priorities such as marine ecosystem protection, community inclusion, investment in blue jobs, and transparent governance of ocean resources. The blueprint emphasises the need for sustainable financing models, inclusive job creation in coastal and maritime communities, and strong legal-regulatory frameworks to back the drive.

Representatives of coastal states, maritime agencies, private businesses and civil society organisations welcomed the blueprint as timely and aligned with Nigeria’s ambition to build a diversified, ocean-based economy. They urged the Ministry to adopt the ESG blueprint as a practical tool to guide policy, investment and regulation across shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, offshore energy, tourism and coastal infrastructure.

In his remarks, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, underscored that the blueprint complements the government’s recently approved National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy and represents an opportunity to translate strategy into measurable action. He encouraged institutions and private-sector actors to align their operations with the ESG standards proposed by AFMESI, stressing that sustainable growth in the blue economy depends on environmental stewardship, social inclusion and good governance.

Oshuniran Sheriff Ola