A former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Ade Dosunmu, has emphasised the importance of leveraging the Blue Economy to diversify Nigeria’s economy.
Delivering a lecture titled “Blue Economy and Economic Diversification: Opportunities and Challenges” at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Dosunmu highlighted the vast potential of the Blue Economy in driving economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.
The Blue Economy offers a timely solution to Nigeria’s over-reliance on hydrocarbon resources, with the potential to significantly boost national revenue and secure a prosperous future. However, Dosunmu noted that addressing key challenges such as regulatory gaps, environmental threats, and capacity constraints is crucial to unlocking the sector’s potential.
To achieve this, he advocated for strategic reforms, robust policies, and stronger collaboration among agencies and stakeholders. The lecture was part of a broader engagement that explored topics such as Foreign Direct Investment and the Blue Economy, Sustainable Coastal Tourism and Recreation in Nigeria, and Fisheries and Aquaculture in Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
As Nigeria’s foremost policy think-tank, NIPSS plays a vital role in developing top-level leaders and policymakers capable of formulating and implementing strategies for national development.
By harnessing the opportunities in the Blue Economy, Nigeria can reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons and create a more sustainable and diversified economy.