Concerns have continued to mount over the absence of a Ministry of Blue Economy in Akwa Ibom State, as over 6,208 maritime service companies reportedly operate across the state’s coastal corridor without a centralised regulatory framework in the state.
Stakeholders in the maritime and energy sectors raised the concern during discussions on the untapped potential of the blue economy and the need for stronger institutional coordination in the state.
According to industry players, the companies are involved in several maritime related operations, including offshore services, marine transportation, fisheries, oil and gas logistics, dredging, shipping support and coastal commercial activities.
They observed that despite Akwa Ibom’s strategic coastal advantage and growing maritime investments, the absence of a dedicated ministry has hindered effective regulation, policy coordination, environmental monitoring and data management within the sector.
Stakeholders warned that the lack of a specialised government structure could limit the state’s ability to fully harness economic opportunities available in the maritime industry, especially at a time when the Federal Government is intensifying efforts to develop Nigeria’s blue economy through the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, with His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, serving as the Honourable Minister. The ministry was established by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to unlock the sustainable economic potential of Nigeria’s marine resources, shipping and maritime sectors.
They further maintained that establishing a Ministry of Blue Economy would provide a coordinated platform for investment promotion, job creation, revenue generation, environmental sustainability and collaboration with key maritime stakeholders and international investors.
The stakeholders also emphasised the need for improved safety standards and compliance measures to safeguard coastal communities and marine resources from the impact of poorly regulated operations.
They called on the Akwa Ibom State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, to urgently initiate policies that would strengthen governance in the maritime sector and position the state as a leading player in Nigeria’s emerging blue economy space.