Nigeria’s oceans, rivers, and lakes hold enormous economic promise.
However, for many citizens, the term Blue Economy remains unfamiliar, distant, and poorly understood, in spite of its growing national attention.
According to the World Bank, the Blue Economy is the sustainable use of ocean and water resources for economic growth, livelihoods, and jobs, while preserving aquatic ecosystems for future generations.
In Nigeria, this concept spans shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, inland waterways, marine tourism, coastal infrastructure, and renewable energy.
Indeed, the blue economy represents an untapped economic frontier capable of supporting the livelihoods of millions if properly developed and understood.
Recognising this potential, President Bola Tinubu established the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 to coordinate maritime development and diversify the economy beyond oil.
Moreover, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, asserts that the sector can greatly boost non-oil revenue, reduce unemployment, and support national development if harnessed effectively.
He adds that Nigerians must understand how the blue economy affects their daily lives; from food prices to jobs and transportation.
With an extensive coastline of about 853 kilometres, alongside vast rivers and lakes, the country is strategically positioned to benefit from fisheries, coastal tourism, shipping logistics, and renewable marine energy.
Experts also note that the sector can strengthen food security through improved fisheries and aquaculture, reducing dependence on imported fish and seafood products.
Nevertheless, many Nigerians continue to overlook the riches beneath their waters, failing to see the marine sector as a pathway to shared prosperity due to lack of knowledge.
Dr Chika Eze, a maritime analyst, explains that limited public understanding remains a major obstacle.
“Many Nigerians still associate the sea only with fishing, ignoring its wider economic value.
“Consequently, Nigeria’s waters hold vast economic promise, yet many citizens remain unaware of how the blue economy can drive jobs, food security, and diversification,” he said.
Globally, the United Nations estimates that the blue economy contributes over $1.5 trillion annually, with developing countries harnessing marine resources to drive inclusive economic growth and strengthen climate resilience.
In this context, Nigeria, with its vast coastline and extensive inland waterways, is well positioned to tap into these opportunities, especially in job creation, food security, and sustainable livelihoods across coastal and riverine communities.
Fisheries and aquaculture experts emphasise that better management and investment in the sector could greatly reduce Nigeria’s reliance on fish imports while creating employment opportunities for youths and women along the value chain.
However, albeit these potential benefits, awareness gaps have slowed community participation, private investment, and youth interest in maritime careers, even as policy attention grows at the federal level.
A vox pop conducted in Abuja revealed a striking knowledge gap among ordinary Nigerians, especially young people expected to drive future economic growth.
For instance, Amina Yusuf, a 300-level sociology student at the University of Abuja, says she has heard about the blue economy but lacks in-depth knowledge of the sector and its operations.
Similarly, Samuel Okorie, a final-year economics student, described the concept as abstract.
“We study diversification, but no one really explains how the sea or rivers fit into Nigeria’s economy,” he said.
Meanwhile, a youth corps member, Blessing Danjuma, admitted she associated marine activities strictly with coastal states but lacked knowledge of Nigeria’s inland waterways, careers, and job opportunities related to the blue economy.
On a slightly brighter note, Ibrahim Sadiq, a geography undergraduate, showed some awareness.
“I think it has something to do with fishing, ships, cargos, and using water resources to boost the country’s economy,” he said.
Experts argue that this limited understanding reflects weak public education and minimal integration of maritime studies into mainstream academic and civic discourse.
Dr Emeka Akabogu, a maritime economist, notes that awareness gaps reduce youth interest, private investment, and community participation across maritime value chains.
“When people don’t understand opportunities, they can’t prepare for them or demand accountability. Therefore, awareness is as important as infrastructure,” he said.
Meanwhile, environmental analyst, Dr Funke Adebayo, warns that ignorance also fuels environmental abuse.
According to her, people protect what they understand.
“Without proper knowledge of the blue economy and the benefits of Nigeria’s waters, they continue to be dumping grounds for waste, especially plastics”.
To address this, Adebayo recommends media campaigns, simplified storytelling, documentaries, and human-interest features linking marine resources to everyday Nigerian experiences.
She also advocates for integrating blue economy studies into secondary and tertiary curricula, especially in coastal and riverine states, alongside campus seminars, debates, and innovation challenges to build early understanding and skills.
Furthermore, community outreach, town hall meetings, and partnerships with traditional institutions can help Nigerians see marine resources as assets for development rather than neglected spaces.
In addition, the supervising ministry should partner with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) to ensure unified messaging and visible grassroots engagement nationwide.
Ultimately, as Nigeria seeks economic diversification, unlocking the wealth beneath its waters will depend not only on policy but also on how well citizens understand, embrace, and participate in the blue economy.
Until awareness deepens, many Nigerians may continue walking past rivers and coastlines without realising the opportunities flowing quietly beneath their waters.
Nevertheless, analysts emphasise that economic gains must align with environmental sustainability to prevent pollution, overfishing, and ecosystem degradation.
By Diana Omueza, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)