How to boost blue economy – Former Tunsian PM

Former Prime Minister of Tunisia, Mr Mehdi Jomaa has urged the Nigerian government to invest in its local potentials to boost its blue economy.

Jomaa who stated this on Tuesday during a 3-Day Niger Delta Blue Economy summit held in Ikot Ekpene, said Tunisia has the experience in the blue economy that would be beneficial to Nigeria.

Stating that Tunisia’s sea civilization was developed through developing ports, trade, maritime roads and propaganda exchange and prosperity, the former PM said Nigeria has the capacity to build a good future for itself by investing in the blue economy.

He explained that Nigeria has the prerequisites – a large coastal area, a large pollution, the market, good elites and its youths to make the blue economy it dreams of a reality.

He stated that with a clear vision, direction and good leadership, coupled with good implementation, Nigeria’s blue economy will blossom, and expressed interest to be part of the Niger Delta initiative on the blue economy.

“We are at this point where there is a reconfiguration of the world, and it’s time to wake up, to stand up, and to walk for the future, to prepare for the future. And it’s one of the areas where we can hope for the best growth in the continent, and the best growth for the people.

“It’s important to have the vision, but it’s not enough. Without vision, we cannot do anything. It’s to have the team and leadership.

“I spent only two days and I found many opportunities for collaboration with our experience, but your experience as well. There is a lot to do,” he stated.

Speaking during the keynote address, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno attributed the seeming abandonment of the Ibom Deep Seaport project to lack of investors.

The governor who was represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Uko Udom explained that all the regulations, certifications, and approvals required for the project have been met, and the road leading to the seaport proper was already under construction.

“Ibom Deep Seaport is not going to be a white elephant thing. I can assure you the work has gone very far. We’ve done all the regulatory imperatives that are on the ground.

“We have all the certifications, all the approvals required, and the roads under construction to lead to the seaport proper. This is the most natural seaport you can ever have in Nigeria. There’ll be no dredging of any sort.

While speaking, the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas described the summit as strategic and timely as the blue economy was pivotal to the nation’s pursuit of a diversified economy.

Abbas who was represented by Rear Admiral Sunday Atakpa at the event noted that the sustainable development of the Niger Delta was connected to the effective governance and security of Nigeria’s maritime domain.

He mentioned that the Nigerian Navy established the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria in June 2024 to drive the knowledge base for the blue economy in Nigeria.

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