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Nigeria’s Blue Economy: WIME Chairperson Makes Passionate Plea for Diversification
Mary Nnah
In a stirring call to action, the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the Women in Maritime and Energy Awards (WIME), Dr. Mrs. Chizoba Christiana Anyika, has urged the Nigerian government to diversify its blue economy beyond oil and shipping.
Speaking at the 2025 World Maritime Day celebration, Dr. Anyika emphasised the vast potential of Nigeria’s 850 km coastline, which remains woefully underutilized despite its enormous possibilities for tourism, recreation, and ecotourism.
“Ecotourism is critical not only for sustainability but also for boosting Nigeria’s GDP and empowering coastal communities,” Dr. Anyika said, stressing the importance of building blue infrastructure through sustainable planning. This includes developing eco-friendly resorts, marinas, and cruise terminals that prioritize environmental sustainability and community engagement.
Dr. Anyika highlighted the multifaceted benefits of diversifying Nigeria’s blue economy. “By embracing tourism, recreation, and ecotourism, we can create new economic opportunities, foster job creation, and promote sustainable development,” she explained. She also emphasized the need for a holistic approach that balances economic growth with environmental protection and social inclusivity.
The WIME Chairperson also highlighted the need for environmental and cultural preservation, noting that mangrove forests, coastal wetlands, and traditional maritime festivals are vital assets. “Tourism that ignores our environment or erodes our culture is not sustainable,” she declared. “We must ensure that our development efforts are aligned with the principles of sustainability and cultural sensitivity.”
Dr. Anyika concluded by calling for collaboration between policymakers, investors, and local communities. “The blue economy must go beyond shipping and oil. It must embrace tourism, recreation, and ecotourism as key pathways to prosperity,” she emphasized. “By working together, we can unlock the full potential of our blue economy and create a brighter future for all Nigerians.”
The World Maritime Day celebration provided a timely reminder that Nigeria’s maritime future is not only about protecting ships and oil rigs but about unlocking the power of its coastlines for sustainable prosperity. This passionate plea for diversification comes as a crucial step towards harnessing Nigeria’s vast maritime potential, and it remains to be seen how policymakers and stakeholders will respond to Dr. Anyika’s call to action.
