Maritime Summit Advocates for Coastal Resilience Fund

At the 4th Ehingbeti Maritime Hub Summit held in Lagos, stakeholders advocated for the establishment of a dedicated Coastal Resilience Fund aimed at supporting coastal protection, infrastructure development, and community empowerment across Nigeria. Jean Anishere, SAN, President of the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria, emphasized the necessity of a dedicated financing mechanism to address infrastructure deficits and improve living conditions in coastal communities.

She urged Nigeria to seek international financing through climate funds and development banks to enhance coastal resilience. Anishere highlighted the importance of effective governance, legal frameworks, and regulatory systems to foster innovation and investment in the blue economy.

She also called for increased private-sector involvement in blue tourism and marine enterprises. Representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Permanent Secretary Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila reaffirmed the state's commitment to an inclusive blue economy development agenda, encouraging collaboration among participants to advance this initiative.