EMR urges Eno to create blue economy ministry

Etim Ekpimah

Environmental and Maritime Rights (EMR) has urged Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State to establish a Ministry of Blue Economy to harness the state’s maritime resources for economic growth, job creation and increased revenue generation.

According to the group, Akwa Ibom possesses vast maritime assets capable of transforming its economy if managed through a dedicated institutional framework.

In a statement jointly signed by its National Secretary, Dr Saviour Ekpe; State Chairman, Comrade Harrison Ndifreke; and State Secretary, Comrade Mabel Ekanem, EMR noted that the state has an extensive coastline, underdeveloped jetties and terminals, offshore platforms, abundant fisheries resources, sea salt deposits and significant maritime activities that remain largely underutilised.

“Akwa Ibom is richly endowed with maritime resources capable of transforming the state’s revenue profile and creating thousands of jobs if properly harnessed through a dedicated institutional framework,” the group stated.

EMR said the absence of a dedicated ministry had resulted in the loss of economic opportunities and revenues from anchorage services, local content participation, chandelling operations, stevedoring services and other maritime support activities to neighbouring states.

“The creation of a Ministry of Blue Economy will provide a coordinated platform for policy formulation, regulation, investment promotion, revenue generation, employment creation and sustainable management of the state’s maritime assets,” the group added.

The organisation stated that establishing such a ministry would enhance regulatory oversight by creating a robust database of vessels, offshore platforms, maritime service providers, seafarers and international oil companies operating within the state’s maritime domain.

“Unknown to many, the maritime sector remains one of the most viable economic sectors in Akwa Ibom State after crude oil. With the right policies and institutional support, the blue economy can become a major driver of internally generated revenue and sustainable development in the state,” EMR added.

The group projected that maritime activities could generate over 40,000 direct and indirect jobs across sectors such as maritime transportation, fisheries and aquaculture, marine logistics, ship leasing, tourism, chandelling, stevedoring and environmental services.

EMR 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.

“The Federal Government has already established the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, while states such as Bayelsa and Benue have established dedicated blue economy structures. Rivers and other states are also taking proactive steps to position themselves within the sector,” the statement read.

The group called on Governor Eno to establish a ministry staffed by experienced maritime professionals and backed by legislation to position Akwa Ibom State as a leading maritime and blue economy hub.

“We, therefore, urge Governor Umo Eno to seize this opportunity to position Akwa Ibom State as Nigeria’s leading maritime and blue economy hub by establishing a Ministry of Blue Economy staffed by experienced maritime professionals and supported by appropriate legislation,” the statement added.

EMR maintained that the move would boost internally generated revenue, attract investments, strengthen local content participation and support the implementation of the state government’s ARISE Agenda.

“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 group said.