May 18, (THEWILL) — A maritime expert, Mr Idongesit Atum, has raised concerns over the absence of a dedicated Ministry of Blue Economy in Akwa Ibom State, despite the presence of more than 6,208 maritime-related companies operating across the state’s coastal corridor.
The call was made during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by Energy and Maritime Reports (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, where industry players discussed the untapped economic potential of the blue economy and the urgent need for stronger institutional coordination in the maritime sector.
Atum and other stakeholders warned that the absence of a centralised framework could undermine effective regulation, investment coordination and environmental protection within the rapidly expanding sector.
According to them, the firms operating within Akwa Ibom’s coastal areas are engaged in offshore services, marine transportation, fisheries, oil and gas logistics, dredging, shipping support services and other commercial maritime operations.
They argued that despite Akwa Ibom’s strategic coastal advantage and increasing maritime investments, the absence of a specialised ministry has created gaps in policy coordination, environmental monitoring, safety compliance and data management.
The stakeholders maintained that the situation could limit the state’s ability to maximise opportunities within the maritime industry at a time the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to develop Nigeria’s blue economy through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
They noted that the federal ministry, established by President Bola Tinubu, was designed to unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s marine resources, shipping and maritime sectors.
According to the stakeholders, establishing a Ministry of Blue Economy in Akwa Ibom would provide a coordinated platform for investment promotion, employment generation, revenue growth and sustainable management of marine resources.
They further stressed the need for stronger safety standards and regulatory compliance to protect coastal communities and the marine environment from the impact of poorly regulated operations.
The stakeholders called on the administration of Governor Umo Eno to initiate policies that would strengthen governance in the maritime sector and position Akwa Ibom as a major player in Nigeria’s emerging blue economy space.
