The Blueway Ocean Foundation Calls for Inclusive Blue Economy to Benefit Nigeria’s Coastal Communities
Uyo, Nigeria.
The Blueway Ocean Foundation is urging the federal government of Nigeria to embrace dialogue and transparency as Nigeria works to grow its marine and blue economy.
In a statement released by the Managing Director of the Foundation, Mr. Iniodu Ndada, the Foundation said confrontation will not solve the challenges facing coastal communities. Instead, it called for open communication on government policies, project timelines, and regional development plans to build public trust.
“Blue Justice is not a request for special treatment,” Mr. Ndada said. “It is a call for fair, inclusive national development where every maritime region can contribute to and benefit from Nigeria’s blue economy.”
The Foundation noted that while investments in ports, vessels, and infrastructure are important, Nigeria’s progress as a leading maritime nation in Africa will also depend on investing in people.
A key priority, according to Blueway Ocean Foundation, is empowering young people in coastal communities through quality maritime education and technical skills training. The Foundation said this will strengthen national security, boost economic resilience, support environmental sustainability, and secure long-term prosperity.
Blueway Ocean Foundation is now calling for meaningful dialogue, evidence-based policymaking, and joint action among government, the private sector, and community stakeholders.
“If pursued in good faith, these steps can advance fairness, improve maritime governance, and ensure Nigeria’s Blue Economy becomes a shared national achievement, not a missed opportunity for coastal regions,” the Foundation further stated.
Blueway Ocean Foundation’s request is not solely directed at NIMASA. It extends to the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the National Assembly, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), state governments within the Niger Delta, traditional institutions, maritime industry stakeholders, civil society organizations, development partners, and the private sector. These institutions are encouraged to engage constructively with the concerns raised by young people, provide clarity on existing maritime capacity development initiatives, and consider whether additional measures are warranted to expand opportunities for coastal communities.
Blueway Ocean Foundation works to promote sustainable ocean development and support coastal communities in Nigeria through education, advocacy, and partnerships.
