President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled Nigeria’s plan to create five million ocean-based jobs by 2035, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to harnessing the country’s Blue Economy potential for sustainable growth and national development.
The President made the declaration on Wednesday at the high-level opening ceremony of the 11th edition of the Our Ocean Conference held in Mombasa County, Kenya. He was represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.
Tinubu said Nigeria views the ocean as a major driver of prosperity, food security, trade, energy, security and climate resilience, stressing that marine resources must be fully developed to contribute significantly to economic expansion.
He recalled that upon assuming office in May 2023, his administration prioritised the Blue Economy sector by establishing a dedicated Federal Ministry for Marine and Blue Economy to coordinate the country’s maritime development agenda.
According to him, Nigeria has introduced a National Blue Economy Action Plan designed to unlock opportunities in fisheries, shipping, maritime tourism and renewable energy.
“Nigeria pledges to create five million new ocean-based jobs by 2035, prioritising youth and women, and ensuring that ocean industries uplift vulnerable coastal communities,” he stated.
The President called for increased African cooperation to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, describing the menace as a threat to food security, livelihoods and economic stability.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and rules-based ocean governance, while advocating for fair financing and technology transfer to help African coastal countries maximise the benefits of their marine resources.
On environmental sustainability, Tinubu said Nigeria would expand marine protected areas by 2030, restore 50 per cent of degraded mangroves and support efforts to eliminate single-use plastics.
He emphasised the importance of maritime security, noting Nigeria’s leadership role in the Yaoundé Architecture for Gulf of Guinea security.
The President said improved maritime surveillance, intelligence sharing and enhanced naval capabilities had contributed to the reduction of piracy incidents in the Gulf of Guinea, thereby improving freedom of navigation and commercial activities.
He also called for stronger partnerships among African nations, development banks, private sector organisations and civil society groups to mobilise sustainable financing for ocean-based industries.
“Partnerships and global collaboration are key. Nigeria welcomes partnerships with Kenya and other African coastal states to advance ocean diplomacy,” Tinubu said.
He added that the future of the ocean depends on collective action, urging stakeholders to protect the marine environment while ensuring that ocean resources become a source of opportunity and shared prosperity.
“Our ocean is our common heritage and its future depends on the collective action we take today. We stand ready to lead, collaborate and contribute to building a continent where maritime sovereignty is respected, security is guaranteed and prosperity is shared,” he said.
The 11th Our Ocean Conference brought together world leaders, ministers, experts and stakeholders to discuss sustainable ocean management, marine conservation and the development of the global Blue Economy.
