EMR Congratulates Gov. Umo Eno, Advocates State Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy
The Energy and Maritime Reporters of Nigeria (EMR), Akwa Ibom State Branch, has congratulated Governor Umo Eno for aligning the state with the Federal Government’s marine and blue economy agenda, while urging him to establish a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to unlock the state’s vast maritime potential.
The association gave the commendation following the Governor’s participation, through his deputy, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, in the Second Quarter 2026 Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement organised by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Lagos.
The engagement, themed “From Policy to Action: Mobilising Sub-National Governments for Effective Implementation of Nigeria’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy,” brought together policymakers, industry experts and other stakeholders to chart practical strategies for harnessing Nigeria’s marine resources for sustainable economic growth.
EMR also applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, describing the initiative as a strategic policy aimed at diversifying the nation’s economy and unlocking the enormous opportunities within the maritime sector.
The association appealed to Governor Umo Eno to take a decisive step by creating a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Akwa Ibom State to coordinate policies, attract investments, and maximise the economic benefits of the state’s extensive coastline and maritime assets.
According to EMR, recommendations emerging from the stakeholders’ engagement provide a practical roadmap for states, including the establishment of dedicated blue economy ministries or agencies with sufficient political and financial backing, the enactment of state blue economy laws aligned with the national policy while reflecting local realities, and the proper mapping and protection of maritime domains to ensure sustainable development.
The association further commended the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen collaboration with state governments in implementing the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, noting that such partnerships are critical to achieving long-term economic transformation.
EMR stressed that Akwa Ibom, with its expansive coastline, abundant marine resources, strategic maritime infrastructure and the proposed Ibom Deep Seaport project, is well positioned to emerge as one of Nigeria’s leading blue economy hubs if the right institutional framework is established.
In a statement jointly signed by the EMR State Chairman, Mr. Harrison Ndifreke, and the State Secretary, Mrs. Mabel Ekanem, the association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting policies and initiatives that will accelerate the growth of the marine and blue economy in Akwa Ibom State.
The association maintained that establishing a State Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy would serve as a strategic platform for economic diversification, employment generation, investment promotion and the sustainable development of Akwa Ibom’s rich maritime resources.
