Diri Proposes Pathways for Nigeria's Blue Economy Growth

During a keynote address on advancing Nigeria's maritime blue economy, Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State outlined the significant potential of the country's 850 km coastline to boost economic growth. He proposed five pathways for coastal states to collaborate and enhance progress in the blue economy sector.

Diri called for the institutionalization of state agencies to create a focal ministry and urged the enactment of blue economy laws that align with national policies. He noted that Bayelsa became the first state in Nigeria to establish a full-fledged Ministry of Marine Blue Economy in 2024, inspired by the federal government's creation of a similar ministry in 2023 under President Bola Tinubu.

Diri emphasized the importance of maritime skill hubs, modernized fish processing, and cold storage facilities to connect local production to global value chains. The event also featured remarks from Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Adegboyega Oyetola, who acknowledged the need for a coherent strategy to unlock opportunities within Nigeria's ocean space.