The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has issued a stark warning that the country is on the verge of missing out on a global economic revolution. According to the professional body, Nigeria's slow pace in adopting modern maritime technology and developing coherent policies is putting it at risk of being sidelined from the lucrative blue-economy boom.
Engineers Sound Alarm at Ibadan Conference
This critical assessment was delivered in a communiqué presented by the NSE President, Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, following the 58th International Engineering Conference. The five-day event was held in Ibadan, Oyo State. The experts stated unequivocally that Nigeria is "moving far too slowly" to tap into the trillions of dollars generated by ocean-based industries.
The engineers described the blue economy as the "next continental goldmine," encompassing a vast range of sectors including:
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Maritime transport and shipbuilding
- Offshore hydrocarbons and marine minerals
- Coastal tourism and biotechnology
- Blue-carbon markets and renewable marine energy
They noted that while other major coastal nations are aggressively expanding their presence through strategic investments, Nigeria continues to lag behind in critical areas like digitalisation, port automation, and sustainable coastal management.
Outdated Infrastructure and Policy Gaps
A central concern raised at the conference is the archaic state of Nigeria's maritime infrastructure. Participants highlighted that most ports still rely on manual processes, which leads to slow cargo clearance, revenue losses, and drives away international shippers who prioritize efficiency.
The absence of modern systems is a major handicap. Nigeria lacks the vessel-tracking technology, digital hydrographic tools, ocean-monitoring sensors, and integrated maritime data platforms that are now standard in nations successfully harnessing the blue economy. Furthermore, the engineers pointed to a critical failure to create incentives for ocean-technology innovations and marine-engineering solutions.
"While industries elsewhere are deploying artificial intelligence, satellite imaging, robotics, and autonomous vessels to expand marine wealth, Nigeria has yet to build the enabling environment for such growth," the experts stated.
Security and Capacity Challenges
The warning also extended to maritime security. The engineers argued that limited technological capacity weakens Nigeria's ability to combat illegal fishing, oil theft, piracy, and environmental degradation. These factors erode investor confidence and deter potential international partners.
They emphasized that strengthening maritime security with digital surveillance and real-time monitoring is non-negotiable for any long-term blue-economy expansion. Beyond security, the conference identified a looming human capital crisis.
There is an urgent need for massive capacity-building programmes to equip Nigerian engineers, scientists, and port professionals with modern skills. The NSE recommended that universities and polytechnics expand their curricula in marine engineering, oceanography, and coastal science to avoid deficits in these emerging sectors.
Urgent Call for a National Framework
To avert this economic setback, the engineers made several key recommendations to the Federal Government:
- Adopt a clear national blue-economy framework backed by measurable targets and strong regulatory reforms.
- Invest significantly in digital maritime infrastructure.
- Establish an integrated ocean-data governance system involving ports, coastal states, security agencies, and the private sector.
The communiqué ended with a sobering message: "Time is running out. If Nigeria does not urgently embrace technology, improve policy coherence, and invest in ocean-based innovation, the blue-economy boom will pass us by." The call from Ibadan is clear: Nigeria must act now or watch a trillion-dollar opportunity sail away.
