By Seun Ibiyemi
Experts and stakeholders at the 4th Ehingbeti Maritime Hub Summit have called for the establishment of a dedicated Coastal Resilience Fund to finance coastal protection, infrastructure development and community empowerment across Nigeria.
The call was made at the summit held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, where participants examined the legal, regulatory, security and investment frameworks needed to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy potential.
Delivering the keynote address, President of the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN), Chief Jean Chiazor Anishere, SAN, said a dedicated financing mechanism was critical to addressing infrastructure deficits and improving living conditions in coastal communities.
Anishere urged the Federal Government to explore international financing opportunities through climate funds, development banks and multilateral organisations to strengthen coastal resilience and community development.
She said sustained investment in coastal resilience would help protect livelihoods, strengthen infrastructure and enable coastal communities to participate more effectively in the emerging blue economy.
The maritime lawyer stressed that Nigeria’s blue economy must be supported by effective governance and a clear legal and institutional framework capable of attracting investment and encouraging innovation.
According to her, the regulatory environment should provide certainty and security for investors while remaining flexible enough to encourage innovation, protect marine resources and ensure that coastal communities benefit from marine economic activities.
Anishere identified security, sustainability and governance as key pillars for the development of Nigeria’s blue economy.
She also advocated improved waste-management infrastructure, sustainable fishing practices, recycling education and environmental stewardship programmes that directly benefit coastal communities.
The MAAN president called for greater private-sector participation in blue tourism, resilient infrastructure and marine-based enterprises through appropriate incentives, streamlined regulations and public-private partnerships.
Representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, said the state remained committed to an inclusive approach to blue economy development.
She noted that although the history of Ehingbeti was closely associated with Lagos Island, the state’s blue economy agenda would extend to communities across Lagos.
Oyekan-Ismaila said the governor encouraged participants to collaborate and develop a communiqué capable of advancing the blue economy agenda of the state.
The Convener of the Ehingbeti Maritime Hub and Founder of the Ocean Ambassadors Foundation, Hon. Olaitan Violet Williams, said the platform was established in 2023 to trace and reconnect with the historical roots of maritime activities in Lagos.
Williams described Ehingbeti as an important part of Lagos’ evolution from its early trading history to modern-day Eko.
She identified inland waterways as one of the major opportunities for Nigeria’s blue economy, calling for increased investment and stronger legal protection for investors.
According to her, Nigeria’s estimated 10,000 kilometres of waterways cannot deliver their full economic potential if they remain largely unnavigable.
The Chairman of the NIWA Governing Board, Alhaji Mukhtar Shehu Shagari, represented by NIWA Board Member, Capt. Tajudeen Alao, commended the summit convener for promoting the development of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
Shagari stressed that coastal communities must remain central to the implementation of blue economy policies and advocated an appropriate legal framework for the development of Nigeria’s littoral states.
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Representing the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, Rear Admiral N.C. Okon called for stronger maritime regulation and effective enforcement of existing laws.
Okon identified “sea blindness” as a factor limiting Nigeria’s ability to fully harness its maritime potential, stressing the need for collaboration among government agencies, coastal communities and development partners.
He said a thriving blue economy could not be sustained in an environment characterised by insecurity, environmental degradation, illicit activities and regulatory uncertainty.
The Nigerian Navy representative reaffirmed the Navy’s commitment to providing the secure maritime environment required for commerce, investment and sustainable exploitation of Nigeria’s maritime resources.
Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), Ekeoma Ezeibe, described insurance as a critical component of maritime and blue economy development.
She said adequate insurance protection was necessary to safeguard maritime assets, infrastructure and businesses against risks associated with maritime activities.
A major highlight of the summit was the official launch of the 28 Inland Waterways Investment Jigsaw, an initiative aimed at showcasing viable investment opportunities across Nigeria’s inland waterways and creating a structured pathway for private-sector participation.
The initiative is expected to identify investment opportunities across the country’s inland waterways while encouraging private-sector participation in water transportation and other marine-related businesses.
The 4th Ehingbeti Maritime Hub Summit brought together government representatives, maritime professionals, security agencies, legal practitioners, insurers, traditional rulers, academics, private-sector operators and representatives of coastal communities.
Participants reaffirmed the need for stronger regulation, maritime security, sustainable financing, infrastructure development and community inclusion to translate Nigeria’s blue economy potential into sustainable economic and social development.
