President urges African collaboration against illegal fishing as Nigeria commits to mangrove restoration and coastal protection

President Bola Tinubu has announced that Nigeria aims to generate five million ocean-based jobs by 2035 under a new Blue Economy Action Plan, focusing on fisheries, shipping, maritime tourism and renewable energy. The announcement was made on Wednesday at the opening of the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, where Tinubu was represented by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaye.

According to Tinubu, Nigeria’s ocean and maritime resources are vital for economic growth, food security, trade and livelihoods. He noted that the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in May 2023 elevated the sector as a national priority. “Our ocean resources are central to food security, trade, energy and the livelihood of Nigeria. For Nigeria, the ocean is not only a source of prosperity but also a pillar of sovereignty, security and climate resilience,” he said during his address.

The President stated that Nigeria has launched a comprehensive action plan to expand fisheries, boost shipping operations, promote maritime tourism and invest in renewable energy industries. The initiative prioritises youth and women participation and aims to uplift coastal communities most vulnerable to economic shocks. Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s strategic position along an 853-kilometre coastline in the Gulf of Guinea—one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

Tinubu called for greater cooperation among African countries to tackle illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, which he described as a major threat to food security and economic stability across the continent. He stressed that fair access to financing, technology and investment is essential for Africa to unlock its maritime potential. As part of Nigeria’s environmental commitments, Tinubu announced plans to expand marine protected areas by 2030 and restore half of Nigeria’s degraded mangrove ecosystems.

On maritime security, he reaffirmed Nigeria’s participation in the Yaoundé Architecture—a regional framework designed to strengthen Gulf of Guinea security—and credited recent investments in surveillance technology and naval operations for reducing piracy incidents. “Maritime security is inseparable from food security, trade facilitation and peace-building,” Tinubu stated.

He further urged development partners, private investors and civil society groups to mobilise sustainable financing for ocean governance. Emphasising inclusive governance within the sector, Tinubu called for increased involvement of women and young people in decision-making processes. “Our ocean is our common heritage, and its future depends on the collective action we take today,” he concluded.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/nigeria-plans-to-generate-5-million-jobs-through-its-blue-economy-heres-how-2026061807335417091