The International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION) has reiterated the critical role of the blue economy in Nigeria’s sustainable development and economic transformation, emphasizing the need for cross-sector collaboration to unlock its full potential.
Speaking at the opening of the Institute’s Senior Executive Course on Maritime Security and Global Trade, the Director General of IMION, Rear Admiral Thaddeus Udofia (rtd), noted that over 70 percent of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, with Nigeria’s ocean space offering vast and largely untapped opportunities for growth and prosperity.
“Nigeria’s maritime domain holds the key to unlocking significant economic opportunities and improving the livelihoods of our citizens,” Admiral Udofia said. “However, this cannot be achieved by a single agency. It requires synergy, coordinated collaboration, and collective commitment from all stakeholders.”
Udofia stressed the strategic importance of maritime trade to global commerce, citing that more than 80 percent of global trade is transported by sea.
“With 40,000 ships navigating oceans daily, carrying goods from raw materials to finished products, maritime routes are the lifeblood of international trade and economic prosperity,” he said.
He warned, however, that these critical sea lanes must be protected against evolving threats, noting that harnessing the blue economy demands a proactive approach that includes effective inter-agency cooperation and long-term strategic planning.
“Alone, we can do little; but together, we can do so much,” Udofia said, referencing the course’s emphasis on partnership and collective leadership in maritime affairs.
The Senior Executive Course, according to Udofia, is tailored to support the Institute’s core mandate, aligning with the vision of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader goal of sustainable national development.
Over the two-day course, participants will explore critical topics including maritime security threats, global logistics, regulatory frameworks, and the integration of technology and innovation into maritime governance.
Earlier, the Executive Director of Administration at IMION, Commodore Isa Ahmed (rtd), emphasized the Institute’s mission to enhance maritime governance in Nigeria through capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and policy advocacy.
“Unlocking the full potential of the blue economy requires a sustainable, strategic approach driven by research, collaboration, and strong public-private partnerships,” Ahmed said. “It’s a vast realm of possibilities for prosperity if we get it right.”
The event drew senior executives and stakeholders from across the maritime, security, and trade sectors, reflecting growing recognition of the blue economy as a vital frontier for Nigeria’s development agenda.
