BY SOLOMON OKPO
EMR Calls for Establishment of Blue Economy Ministry in Akwa Ibom
The Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Chapter, has called on Governor Umo Eno to establish a Ministry of Blue Economy as a strategic step toward harnessing the state’s vast maritime resources, boosting internally generated revenue, and creating thousands of employment opportunities.
In a press release jointly signed by the National Secretary of EMR, Dr. Saviour Ekpe, the State Chairman, Comrade Harrison Ndifreke, and the State Secretary, Comrade Nabel Ekanem, the association described Akwa Ibom as one of Nigeria’s most naturally endowed maritime states with enormous untapped economic potential.
According to EMR, Akwa Ibom boasts approximately 28 kilometres of coastline, 22 underdeveloped jetties and terminals, more than 100 offshore platforms and oil rigs, daily crude oil production estimated at about 5,400 barrels, and over 3,000 vessels operating within its maritime domain. The state is also richly blessed with fisheries resources, aquatic organisms, sea salt deposits, and kaolin minerals.
The association lamented that despite these abundant resources, Akwa Ibom continues to lose substantial economic opportunities and revenue streams from maritime-related activities such as anchorage services, chandelling operations, stevedoring services, local content participation, marine logistics, and community-assisted project valuations to neighbouring states.
EMR argued that the establishment of a Ministry of Blue Economy would provide a coordinated institutional framework for policy formulation, regulation, investment promotion, revenue generation, job creation, and sustainable management of the state’s maritime assets.
The proposed ministry, according to the association, would also facilitate the development of a comprehensive database of vessels, offshore platforms, maritime service providers, seafarers, and international oil companies operating within the state’s maritime environment, thereby enhancing regulatory oversight and improving revenue collection.
The association noted that the maritime sector remains one of the most viable economic sectors in Akwa Ibom after crude oil and could significantly contribute to the state’s economic diversification agenda if given adequate policy support.
EMR further projected that maritime activities could generate over 40,000 direct and indirect jobs across sectors such as maritime transportation, fisheries and aquaculture, marine tourism, ship leasing, environmental services, logistics, chandelling, and stevedoring.
The group also highlighted the strategic importance of the Liberty Oil and Gas Free Zone and Marine Solutions Hub, which spans more than 50,000 hectares across several local government areas, including Ikot Abasi, Eastern Obolo, Mkpat Enin, Oruk Anam, Onna, Ibeno, Oron, Mbo, Okobo, Esit Eket, and Eket.
According to EMR, a dedicated ministry would provide the necessary institutional support to maximize the economic benefits of the expansive maritime asset and position Akwa Ibom as a leading destination for maritime investments.
The association noted that the Federal Government has already established a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, while states such as Bayelsa and Benue have created dedicated blue economy ministries. Lagos State operates a Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development, while Rivers and other states have developed similar institutional structures to drive maritime growth.
EMR therefore urged Governor Umo Eno to seize the opportunity to position Akwa Ibom as Nigeria’s foremost maritime and blue economy hub by establishing a Ministry of Blue Economy staffed by experienced maritime professionals and backed by appropriate legislation.
The association maintained that such an initiative would strengthen revenue generation, attract investments, create employment opportunities, enhance local content participation, and further advance the ARISE Agenda of the present administration.
“Akwa Ibom possesses the resources, strategic location and maritime advantages necessary to become a dominant force in Nigeria’s blue economy.
What remains is the political will to establish the institution that will coordinate and drive this transformation,” the statement concluded.
