By Haruna Salami
The Maritime Innovations Hub CEO has called for sustained and large-scale investment in Nigeria’s economy, stressing that innovation and effective execution are critical to achieving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s target of a $1 trillion GDP.
Speaking at a media briefing on investment opportunities in the Marine and Blue Economy, MIH CEO, Ms Ronke Kosoko disclosed that Nigeria has lost decades of growth due to policy inconsistency, weak execution, and entrenched interests, particularly in the maritime sector. She noted that despite Nigeria’s vast coastline and inland waterways, the sector has delivered far below its job-creation and revenue potential.
The Hub highlighted recent progress under the current administration, including a $1 billion port rehabilitation programme, approval of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port, revival of maritime studies at the University of Lagos, and Nigeria’s return to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council after 40 years. These, it said, signal a renewed commitment to reform, private-sector participation, and results-driven governance.
At the media parley, Kosoko also announced plans for a Blue Economy Investment Summit, aimed at mobilising local and international capital, addressing logistics and port inefficiencies, and unlocking opportunities across shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, shipbuilding, coastal tourism, and marine technology. The summit will bring together federal and state governments, investors, development partners, and industry players to develop an actionable investment roadmap.
Emphasis was placed on human capital development, with a target of onboarding one million young Nigerians into the blue economy over the next decade, alongside stronger gender inclusion and skills training to reduce reliance on foreign labour.
Meanwhile, the Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, underscored the importance of digital platforms in promoting the Blue Economy. He said social media is vital for engaging young Nigerians, simplifying policy messages, building digital communities around jobs and investment opportunities, and inspiring participation through visible role models.
Olusegun stressed that social media is now central to governance and national development, noting that the success of the Blue Economy depends on young people understanding and actively engaging with opportunities in maritime, logistics, and related sectors.
The media parley concluded that Nigeria’s ambition of a $1 trillion economy is achievable, but only through coordinated investment, innovation, skills development, and consistent execution across all levels of government.
