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Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Unlocking potentials and opportunities in marine and blue economy in ijaw land and the niger delta.

Abisummit

A Presentation by DR. EMI MEMBERE-OTAJI MD, FNIM, OON.

MANAGING DIRECTOR / CEO – ELSHCON GROUP OF COMPANIES2nd DEPUTY NATIONAL PRESIDENT – NACCIMAEXECUTIVE / COUNCIL MEMBER- NIGERIAN CHAMBER OF SHIPPINGDein Piribo 2 of Kalabari Ijaw.

According to the World Bank, Blue Economy is “sustainable use of the ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem”.The European Commission extends it further and defines it as “all economic activities related to oceans, seas and the coasts.However, most others, even further extended the scope of Blue Economy “as economic activities taking place below, on, or adjacent to the ocean, or aquatic systems more generally”.

•Nigerias coastal line stretches at about 850kilometers or 420 nautical miles, mostly along Ijaw territories,200 nautical miles of Exclusive Economic ones (EEz), and about 10,000km of navigable inland waters.

•Nigeria is therefore well positioned in the domain of the Blue Economy. In actual fact the marine and blue economy represents a powerful catalyst for sustainable economic growth and development in Ijaw land and the broader Niger Delta. With its vast coastal resources, including fisheries, aquaculture, renewable energy, and mangrove ecosystems, the region is well-positioned to tap into these opportunities. However, realizing the full potential of the marine and blue economy in Ijaw land requires a strategic approach that balances economic activities with environmental sustainability.

FACTS ABOUT THE BLUE ECONOMY

•While conversations have been ongoing on Blue Economy within the confines of the Federal Ministry of Transportation and its Agencies in recent years in Nigeria, it took the bold move of the present Federal Government to create a Ministry of Maritime and Blue Economy. This though very laudable, will still need inter-ministerial coordination from the Presidency since Blue Economy cut across many ministries, departments and agencies.

•Blue Economy is represented by three interconnected pillars of economic (the economic value and usefulness of the marine domain), social equity (employment and poverty reduction, with the attendant curbing of insecurity and youth restiveness) and environmental preservation.Globally, Blue Economy is estimated to be worth more than US$1.5trillion dollars per year.Over 90% of global trade is sea bourne, while even in Nigeria increasingly offshore production is accounting for the nation’s crude oil and gas production.

The Ijaw land is made up of 6 states (Bayelsa, Ondo, Rivers, Edo, Akwaibom, delta, ) with a population made of about 15 million people, in the forest, riverine, creeks and the coastal regions.It thus stands to benefit the most from the immense advantages of the Blue Economy.

•While for centuries, the people have been involved one way or the other in the Blue Economy, it is now time to intentionally harness the full values of the Blue Economy, with the strong support of the political, public and private sector leaders, to upscale the benefits therefrom.

•In the Blue Economy, the aforementioned economic activities will and should be improved upon for aggressive commercial purposes to diversify and grow the nation’s economy.

OPPORTUNITIES IN THE NIGER DELTA

Safe inland waterways transportation

Eco Tourism

Mangrove

Renewable energy

CHALLENGES

a. Environmental degradation

b. Infrastructure deficit

c. Governance and Regulatory GapsWeak governance and a lack of effective regulatory frameworks contribute to environmental degradation and unsustainable exploitation of marine resources Policies that incentivize investment in renewable energy, eco-tourism, and marine conservation can accelerate the growth of the blue economy. Near unitary instead of federal structure of government, operates in Nigeria, hence many economic activities are either in Exclusive Legislative list or needs government approval instead of the people or communities.

d. The Entitlement Mindset of our people, because of years of neglect by successive government and the big oil companies operating in Ijaw land, instead of embracing peace and positive productivity

POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS

a. Mangrove Conservation and Restoration- Large-scale mangrove restoration projects, supported by local communities and private sector partnerships, can revive the ecosystems that are crucial for fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection. These efforts can also contribute to climate change adaptation and provide employment opportunities.

b. Community-Led Eco-Tourism Initiatives- Encouraging local communities to take ownership of eco-tourism initiatives can help promote conservation and sustainable livelihoods. Training and capacity-building programs can equip communities with the skills needed to manage tourism sustainably.

c. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)Collaborations between the government, private sector, and international organizations can drive investment in critical infrastructure, such as ports, renewable energy, and fisheries. PPPs can also support the development of marine biotechnology and other emerging sectors.

d. Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy- Policy Recommendation: The government should implement stricter regulations to combat overfishing, encourage sustainable fishing practices, and promote aquaculture development. This includes setting fishing quotas, enforcing seasonal bans, and providing incentives for sustainable aquaculture practices, such as integrated multi-trophic aquaculture (IMTA).

e. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Biodiversity PolicyPolicy Recommendation: Establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) along key parts of the Ijaw land coast to safeguard marine biodiversity, protect fish breeding grounds, and conserve ecosystems like mangroves and coral reefs. The government should work with local communities to ensure the effective management and enforcement of these protected areas.

f. Renewable Energy Policy for Coastal Areas- Policy Recommendation: Implement a national policy that incentivizes investment in offshore renewable energy, such as wind, tidal, and wave energy projects. The policy should encourage public-private partnerships (PPPs) to develop clean energy infrastructure in coastal areas, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating the impact of climate change on coastal communities.

g. Port Development and Marine Transportation PolicyPolicy Recommendation: Develop a national marine transportation policy that focuses on expanding and modernizing ports in Ijaw land, such as Bonny and Brass Island. The policy should promote investment in infrastructure, enhance security at sea, and establish integrated transportation links between inland waterways and coastal ports to boost trade.

h. Eco-Tourism Development Policy-Policy Recommendation: The government should promote eco-tourism through targeted investment in infrastructure, community-based tourism initiatives, and marketing of Ijaw land’s natural attractions. The policy should emphasize the sustainable development of mangrove and riverine tourism, including support for local tour operators and conservation-based.

i. Marine Biotechnology and Research Policy- Policy Recommendation: Support marine biotechnology research by establishing marine research institutes and funding initiatives that explore the pharmaceutical, agricultural, and industrial applications of marine organisms. Collaboration between academic institutions, the private sector, and international organizations should be encouraged.

CONCLUSION

There is therefore, no better time than now for Ijaw land and the geographical Niger Delta area to sustainably harness the full commercial benefits of the Blue Economy, to diversify and grow our economy with the attendant social stability, while preserving the biodiversity of our ocean and waterway.

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