Niger Delta Summit Tackles Trust Deficit in Blue Economy

The Niger Delta blue economy investment summit, held at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Ikot Ekpene, Akwa Ibom State, addressed the significant trust deficit among local communities stemming from the adverse effects of decades of oil exploration. Key participants included environmental advocates like Ken Henshaw and Nnimmo Bassey, who underscored the long-standing issues of oil spills and infrastructural failures, which have left communities grappling with pollution and unresolved compensation disputes.

Former Tunisian Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa urged stakeholders to anchor the blue economy transition strategy with clarity and long-term vision. The summit culminated in the launch of the Niger Delta blue economy roadmap, aiming to address regional challenges and promote socio-economic diversification, job creation, and food security.

However, skepticism remains regarding whether the blue economy will differ from past resource allocation failures, highlighting the need for genuine livelihood replacement and transparent governance.