President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria is targeting five million new ocean-based jobs by 2035 under a National Blue Economy Action Plan.
Tinubu spoke through the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, at the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, according to AllAfrica/THISDAY and Arise.
The plan is built around fisheries, shipping, maritime tourism and renewable energy, with the government presenting the ocean economy as a route to jobs, trade and food security.
Arise quoted Tinubu as saying Nigeria had launched a National Blue Economy Action Plan to harness those sectors as drivers of inclusive growth.
Pulse also reported that the administration wants the plan to support youth and women while expanding activity across shipping, tourism and marine energy.
Tinubu said Nigeria’s coastline and its position in the Gulf of Guinea place the country in a strategic maritime position for Africa.
He also called for stronger African cooperation against illegal fishing, maritime insecurity and marine pollution.
The administration created the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023, making maritime development a standalone economic portfolio.
The 2035 jobs target is ambitious, and the next test will be whether the plan moves beyond conference commitments into bankable projects, enforcement and private-sector investment.
Sources: AllAfrica/THISDAY, Arise, Pulse
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