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With Saviour Ekpe, Ph.D
The administration of Pastor Umo Eno has continued to demonstrate commitment to the development and welfare of Akwa Ibom people through various people-oriented programmes and infrastructure projects. From the ARISE Agenda, rural development initiatives, road construction, entrepreneurship support schemes, agricultural empowerment programmes, MSME financing, youth and women empowerment interventions, and efforts aimed at expanding economic opportunities for citizens, the government has shown a determination to improve the living standards of the people.
These achievements deserve commendation. However, as the state charts a course towards sustainable economic growth and diversification, there is a compelling need for the establishment of a dedicated Ministry of Blue Economy to harness the enormous aquatic and marine resources with which nature has blessed Akwa Ibom State.
Akwa Ibom is one of Nigeria’s foremost coastal states, strategically located along the Atlantic coastline with vast rivers, creeks, estuaries, mangrove forests and inland water bodies. The state possesses abundant marine and aquatic resources that remain largely underutilized. A dedicated Ministry of Blue Economy would provide the institutional framework required to coordinate, regulate, develop and maximize these resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
The Blue Economy concept refers to the sustainable use of ocean, coastal and inland water resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, job creation and environmental sustainability. Across the world, nations and sub-national governments are increasingly investing in the Blue Economy because of its immense potential to generate wealth, create employment and drive industrialization.
One of the most important components of the Blue Economy is Fisheries and Aquaculture. Akwa Ibom possesses significant comparative advantages in this sector. The state’s extensive coastline, numerous rivers and favorable climatic conditions provide excellent opportunities for marine fishing, inland fishing and aquaculture development.
Marine fishing remains a largely untapped goldmine. Thousands of artisanal fishermen operate across coastal communities in Eastern Obolo, Mbo, Ibeno, Ikot Abasi, Itu and other riverine areas. Yet, inadequate government coordination, insufficient modern fishing equipment, poor storage facilities and limited access to finance have constrained productivity. A dedicated Ministry of Blue Economy would help formulate policies and programmes aimed at modernizing the fishing industry, improving fish yields and increasing incomes for fishing communities.
Similarly, inland fishing across the state’s rivers, streams and wetlands can be significantly expanded. With proper investment in fish breeding, stocking programmes and fisheries management, inland water bodies can become major sources of food security and employment. Such interventions would reduce dependence on imported fish and strengthen local production.
Fish farming, otherwise known as aquaculture, offers another enormous opportunity. The growing demand for fish and seafood in Nigeria continues to outstrip supply. Akwa Ibom can position itself as a leading aquaculture hub in the country through the establishment of fish farming clusters, hatcheries, feed production centres and training institutes. Thousands of young people and women can be empowered through commercial fish farming initiatives coordinated by a dedicated ministry.
Beyond fish production, opportunities also abound in shrimp, oyster and shellfish farming. Coastal communities across Akwa Ibom possess natural ecosystems suitable for cultivating these high-value aquatic products. Globally, shrimp and shellfish industries generate billions of dollars annually. With proper planning and investment, Akwa Ibom can develop competitive value chains capable of supplying both domestic and international markets.
Furthermore, fish processing and export present another major avenue for economic growth. Large quantities of fish harvested within the state are lost due to inadequate preservation and processing facilities. The establishment of modern fish processing centres, cold storage infrastructure and export-oriented packaging facilities would significantly reduce post-harvest losses while increasing the value of aquatic products.
Such investments would not only create jobs but also stimulate ancillary industries including transportation, logistics, packaging, cold-chain services and export marketing. Revenue generated from fish and seafood exports can contribute substantially to the state’s internally generated revenue while enhancing foreign exchange earnings for the country.
The establishment of a Ministry of Blue Economy would therefore serve as a strategic vehicle for coordinating these opportunities under a unified policy framework. It would provide focused leadership, attract private sector investment, facilitate international partnerships and ensure sustainable management of aquatic resources.
As Akwa Ibom continues to pursue economic diversification and sustainable development under the leadership of Pastor Umo Eno, the creation of a Ministry of Blue Economy deserves serious consideration. Such a ministry would unlock vast economic opportunities, empower coastal and riverine communities, create employment for thousands of youths and women, enhance food security and position Akwa Ibom as a leading Blue Economy destination in Niger Delta, Nigeria and West Africa.
In the next part of this series, attention will be focused on other critical components of the Blue Economy and their immense potential for transforming the economy of Akwa Ibom State. It is a 15 part series please, be patience in reading through.
Dr Saviour Ekpe is a Journalist, public analyst and scholar
