Stakeholders in Nigeria's blue economy sector have welcomed the federal government's approval of five additional deep-seaports, projecting that the development could generate about 500,000 direct and indirect jobs across the maritime value chain.
Stakeholders Applaud Government Initiative
The stakeholders, under the platform of Gadfly Consulting Limited, described the approvals as a significant intervention capable of easing long-standing logistics bottlenecks, reducing pressure on Lagos ports, and expanding economic opportunities across coastal regions.
Criticism of Port Concentration
In a statement issued on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Senior Consultant at Gadfly Consulting, Philemon Adjekuko, criticised the continued concentration of maritime activity around Lagos despite the existence of underutilised port infrastructure in other parts of the country.
“The continued congestion of ports in Lagos, while other port facilities, particularly in the Niger Delta, remain abandoned, is both inexplicable and embarrassing,” he said. “We are pleased that with these approvals, the logistics nightmare and avoidable delays may soon become a thing of the past.”
“However, we must ensure that we pursue economically viable ports so they can remain sustainable.”
Employment Opportunities
Uche Igwe, Lead Consultant at Gadfly Consulting, said the expansion of the blue economy sector could create employment opportunities across multiple industries.
“However, we must be careful and deliberate in preparing our young people for the opportunities ahead,” he said. “This is the time to anticipate the skills and competencies required and begin aligning accordingly.”
“Momentum is building, and pathways are becoming clearer.”
Igwe said collaboration between government agencies, educational institutions and private sector operators would be necessary to prepare the workforce for emerging opportunities in the sector.
Upcoming Meeting on Blue Economy Financing
The stakeholders also announced plans for a meeting on financing investment in Africa's blue economy. The session is scheduled to be held in Mombasa on June 17 on the sidelines of the Our Ocean Conference.
According to the organisers, the meeting will focus on bankable projects, including deep seaport development plans and financing options. Representatives of government agencies, the Commonwealth Secretariat, Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance, FSD Africa, Blue Bond Accelerator and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation are expected to attend the meeting.
