President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has unveiled a sweeping security and economic framework aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s marine and aquatic assets as central pillars of national transformation.
He directed ministries, departments and agencies to begin immediate review and implementation of policy recommendations submitted by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).
This is a statement signed by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications (Office of the Vice President).
The statement reads partly: “The blue economy offers a strategic pathway for diversifying our revenue base, creating sustainable employment and revitalising the ecosystems that sustain national development. If properly harnessed, this sector could become an anchor of shared prosperity for generations.
“These opportunities lie within our grasp if we act with discipline and intentionality.
“These threats are real, and this Administration is taking decisive steps to address them.
“The policy paper shall be submitted to my office within an agreed timeline, and it will receive the utmost attention.”
Speaking at a Presidential Parley with participants of Senior Executive Course 47 of NIPSS, held at the Presidential Villa on Wednesday, the President—represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima—said his administration is committed to converting Nigeria’s maritime strengths into engines of job creation, economic diversification and long-term prosperity.
Tinubu praised the institute’s study on “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” describing it as a strategic resource that captures the opportunities, challenges and policy gaps that must be addressed urgently.
He noted that Nigeria’s coastline, fisheries, waterways and location within the Gulf of Guinea create unrivalled economic potential that must be tapped deliberately.
The President listed aquaculture expansion, modernisation of ports and maritime corridors, coastal tourism, marine biotechnology and renewable ocean energy as priority areas under the new blueprint.
He said the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy marked a decisive step towards overhauling port systems, improving maritime security and enabling private-sector growth.
Tinubu, however, warned that economic gains in the blue economy would be impossible without a secure environment. While piracy has reduced under the Deep Blue Project, he said continued threats such as oil theft, illegal fishing, smuggling, vandalism and kidnapping still undermine national revenue and investor confidence.
Beyond the blue economy directive, the President also assigned NIPSS an expanded mandate to conduct a nationwide security diagnostic and present actionable recommendations for reforms across Nigeria’s security architecture.
Earlier, the Director-General of NIPSS, Prof Ayo Omotayo, thanked the President for the institution’s ongoing support and acknowledged the role of the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, in facilitating the team’s work. He disclosed that the team visited several Nigerian states and 14 countries during the research process.
Highlighting key findings, Colonel Murkar Dauda said systemic gaps in governance, coordination and infrastructure were major impediments to growth in the marine and blue economy.
He added that fisheries and aquaculture remain strong entry points for diversification, with significant potential for revenue expansion.
The NIPSS report recommended the launch of a national fisheries expansion programme targeting an increase in fish production from 1.2 million metric tonnes to 10 million metric tonnes within two years, alongside a comprehensive financing framework for the blue economy.
It also advised the Federal Government to harmonise all legal and policy frameworks, strengthen inland waterway security and develop an innovative skills and job creation plan for the sector.
