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With Saviour Ekpe, Ph.D
The global economy is witnessing a strategic shift toward the Blue Economy as nations and sub-national governments around the world increasingly recognize the immense wealth embedded in oceans, coastlines, waterways, fisheries, maritime transport, marine minerals and associated industries. For Akwa Ibom State, endowed with some of Nigeria’s most valuable maritime assets, the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Blue Economy is no longer merely an option; it has become an economic necessity.
Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda is anchored on economic growth, industrial expansion, employment generation and sustainable development. The creation of a Ministry of Blue Economy aligns perfectly with these objectives and presents an opportunity to unlock enormous revenue streams that have remained largely untapped for decades.
Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s maritime landscape. The state possesses approximately 28 square kilometres of coastline and shoreline, making it one of the most significant maritime states in the federation. Beyond its coastline, the state hosts about 22 underdeveloped jetties and terminals, over 100 offshore platforms & rigs and produces approximately 5,400 barrels of crude oil daily. More than 3,000 vessels operate within and around its maritime domain, while vast deposits of fisheries resources, aquatic organisms, sea salt, and kaolin minerals remain largely underutilized.
Despite these enormous endowments, Akwa Ibom continues to lose significant economic opportunities to neighbouring states and other maritime jurisdictions. Revenues associated with anchorage services, local content development, community-assisted projects, stevedoring operations, chandelling services, vessel support activities and maritime labour engagements are either inadequately captured or entirely lost. These leakages represent billions of naira that could otherwise contribute to the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The establishment of a Ministry of Blue Economy would provide a specialized institutional framework to coordinate, regulate, promote and maximize the economic benefits of maritime activities within the state. Such a ministry would develop comprehensive databases of vessels, platforms, servicing companies, maritime labour personnel, seafarers and international oil companies operating within Akwa Ibom waters. This information would enhance transparency, improve regulatory oversight and ensure that the state derives appropriate economic benefits from activities taking place within its maritime environment.
One of the most compelling reasons for creating the ministry is revenue generation, experts estimate that if properly harnessed, the Blue Economy sector could contribute as much as 75 percent of the state’s internally generated revenue over time, meaning that with or without oil, Akwa Ibom State can survive her existence. Revenue opportunities exist through marine service company registrations, environmental compliance charges, marine waste management levies, anchorage fees, vessel operation permits, pollution control charges, gas flaring assessments and other maritime-related taxes and fees.
The employment potential is equally enormous. The maritime sector remains one of the most labour-intensive industries in the world. Industry projections indicate that maritime transportation, fisheries, aquaculture, vessel support services, dock operations, marine logistics, ship repairs, chandelling, stevedoring and related sectors could directly and indirectly generate more than 40,000 jobs for Akwa Ibom people. At a time when youth unemployment remains a major challenge, the Blue Economy offers a sustainable pathway to wealth creation and economic inclusion.
The multiplier effects would extend beyond the maritime industry itself. Increased maritime activities in view of good roads experienced in the state would stimulate investments in hospitality, manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, insurance, training institutions, information technology and financial services. Small and medium enterprises would emerge around ports, terminals, fishing hubs, and industrial clusters, creating a robust ecosystem of economic activity.
Furthermore, the development of the state’s Blue Economy would complement ongoing investments within the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone and Marine Solutions Hub, one of the largest free trade zones in West Africa. Spanning over 50,000 hectares across local government areas such as Ikot Abasi, Eastern Obolo, Oruk Anam, Mkpat Enin, Onna, Ibeno, Oron, Mbo, Okobo, Esit Eket, Eket and neighbouring communities, the zone has the potential to become a major catalyst for industrialization, exports, foreign direct investment and employment. A dedicated Ministry of Blue Economy would provide the policy direction and institutional support required to maximize the benefits of this strategic asset.
The case for a Blue Economy Ministry becomes even stronger when viewed against national and regional developments. The Federal Government has already established a Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to drive Nigeria’s maritime transformation agenda. At the state level, Bayelsa has pioneered a dedicated Ministry of Blue Economy, while Lagos has institutionalized blue economy initiatives through its waterfront infrastructure development framework. Delta State has also established Blue Economy Steering and Technical Committees to develop a comprehensive state blue economy framework.
Akwa Ibom cannot afford to remain on the sidelines while other states position themselves to benefit from the growing global blue economy movement. Given the state’s extensive maritime resources and strategic coastal location, the absence of a dedicated ministry risks leaving substantial economic opportunities unrealized.
The proposed ministry should be staffed by experienced maritime professionals and supported by enabling state legislation that will provide the legal framework for effective regulation, investment promotion, revenue generation, environmental protection and sustainable resource utilization. Collaboration with federal agencies, international maritime organizations, private investors, coastal communities and educational institutions will also be critical to achieving success.
The time has come for Akwa Ibom State to move beyond being merely a coastal state and become a leading maritime economic hub in Nigeria and West Africa. Establishing a Ministry of Blue Economy will not only strengthen the implementation of the ARISE Agenda but also create jobs, boost revenue, encourage investment, stimulate industrial growth and secure long-term prosperity for future generations.
Governor Umo Eno has demonstrated a commitment to economic diversification and sustainable development. The creation of a Ministry of Blue Economy offers another bold opportunity to transform Akwa Ibom’s natural maritime advantages into measurable economic gains. The resources exist. The opportunities abound. The national policy direction is already in place. What remains is the political will to act. For Akwa Ibom State, the time for a Ministry of Blue Economy is now.
Dr Sviour Ekpe is a journalist, media professional, communication expert, public analyst and scholar and can be reached though newsfrontmail@gmail.com
