The Blue Economy Academy (BEA) has resolved that Nigeria’s 10-Year Marine and Blue Economy Policy must be immediately followed by a concrete action plan, detailing specific projects, responsible agencies, timelines, and measurable Key Performance Indicators ( KPI).
During its inaugural “CODE BLUE” initiative , Nigeria’s Monthly Ocean Intelligence Brief, held virtually on July 29, 2025, the former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) , Temisan Omatseye emphasised that once a policy is approved ,there must be a strategy.
He noted that despite major developments in Nigeria’s maritime and energy sectors such as the Dangote Refinery, growing fertilizer exports, and the African Continental Free Trade Area, the local maritime industry remains disconnected from the supply chain as many of the petroleum and dry cargo exports are being transported on foreign flagged vessels, including those from Angola, due to a lack of capacity and coordination among Nigerian shipowners and maritime regulators.
He highlighted missed opportunities in marine infrastructure development, especially as new private refineries and ports are being built with little or no input from local maritime stakeholders.
The session, themed “Blueprint to Reality – Nigeria’s 10-Year Marine & Blue Economy Policy – Unpacking the Blueprint for Action,” made a strong call to government agencies and the private sector to collaborate as partners, rather than adversaries.
Participants stressed the urgency of integrating maritime education and ocean literacy from primary school, especially in coastal areas.
The Communiqué urges improved support for seafarer training and certification to ensure global employability.It advocates for optimizing existing ports and investing in critical enablers like hydrographic surveys and inland waterway dredging, rather than indiscriminate port expansion.
A key resolution was made to promote Nigerian content in shipping and shipbuilding, leveraging the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) to enable local companies to acquire or even assemble vessels domestically. The communique underscored the critical need to develop Nigeria’s neglected inland waterways for economic integration and national unity.
Mr. Ubong Essien, Founder of the Blue Economy Academy and Convener of Code Blue noted that the CODE BLUE, signifies an urgent, purposeful call to awaken consciousness and ignite strategic focus on Nigeria’s ocean frontier and a rallying point for stakeholders.
“The sea affects all of us.Let this be the start of a national awakening, where we no longer ignore the ocean, but integrate it into our economy, education, and everyday life”, he said
The Blue Economy Academy is a neutral knowledge engine and catalyst, established to eliminate “sea blindness” and harness Nigeria’s vast ocean opportunities. Its mission is to see a Nigeria that prospers by water, fostering dialogue and action between all stakeholders in the marine and blue economy sectors.
To ensure sustained momentum, “CODE BLUE” will continue as a monthly forum, serving as a vital “pulse checker” for Nigeria’s blue economy. The next edition is scheduled for the last Tuesday of next month.
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