The Blue Economy Academy (BEA) has urged stakeholders to expedite action on Nigeria’s Blue Economy policy saying it was time for everybody to work the talk.
Speaking at its inaugural “CODE BLUE – Nigeria’s Monthly Ocean Intelligence Brief,” held virtually on July 29, 2025, Founder of the Blue Economy Academy and Convener of Code Blue, Mr. Ubong Essien, noted that the country has failed to take advantage of its maritime endowment.
He emphasized that despite Nigeria’s 853 km coastline, the nation suffers from “sea blindness” and has largely underutilized its maritime endowments. “The sea affects all of us,” highlighting that “80% of imported goods, from clothes to food, are impacted by the Blue Economy.”
The session, themed “Blueprint to Reality – Nigeria’s 10-Year Marine & Blue Economy Policy – Unpacking the Blueprint for Action,” was aimed at awakening consciousness and ignite strategic focus on Nigeria’s ocean frontier, stressing the critical need to translate policy into tangible progress for Nigeria’s vast maritime potential.
Part of resolutions at the session includes a call for policy implementation with clear targets; enhanced stakeholder coordination; human capital development & education; strategic infrastructure development; local content & shipbuilding revival; as well as inland waterways rejuvenation.
“Let this be the start of a national awakening, where we no longer ignore the ocean, but integrate it into our economy, education, and everyday life,” concluded Mr. Essien.