The Senate has urged African littoral states to harness their marine resources and develop the blue economy, citing coastal tourism, sustainable fisheries, aquaculture and marine transport as opportunities for jobs and economic growth.
Latest: ABER’s blue economy and coastal management initiatives in Africa
Key Highlights
- Senator Neda Imasuen urged African coastal states to invest in the blue economy.
- He said he would champion blue economy discussions in the National Assembly and serve as a patron of ABER.
- Nigeria’s 853-kilometre coastline offers opportunities for jobs, tourism and food security, he said.
- ABER raised concerns about illegal fishing and the lack of safety equipment among artisanal fishers.
- The senator called for policies to protect small-scale fishers and promote sustainable marine development.
Senator Imasuen, chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions and representative of Edo South, made the call while receiving a delegation of the Africa Blue Economy Roundtable (ABER) at his office in the Red Chamber, Abuja, on Thursday.
Senate to Champion Blue Economy Legislation
Imasuen said he would promote blue economy discussions in the Senate and facilitate engagement with relevant committees.
He identified the Senate committees on Marine Transport, Local Content, Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, Niger Delta Development Commission, Science and Technology, and Environment as potential partners in advancing the initiative.
The senator accepted to serve as an ABER patron and pledged support for the development of Africa’s marine economy.
He said that with planning and investment, Niger Delta beaches could become destinations for beachfront hotels and coastal tourism facilities. He commended ABER Founder and Convener Dr Piriye Kiyaramo for the initiative.
Imasuen Praises Bayelsa Governor Over Blue Economy Initiative
The senator praised Bayelsa Governor Douye Diri for supporting blue economy development, describing him as the first governor to establish a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. He urged other littoral states to adopt policies and institutions to promote the sustainable use of marine resources.
According to Imasuen, Nigeria’s 853-kilometre coastline and Edo State’s access to the Atlantic Ocean through its riverine corridor offer opportunities for employment, food security and climate resilience.
He urged coastal states to look beyond oil exploration and invest in sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, marine transportation, coastal tourism and mangrove blue carbon initiatives.
The areas highlighted by Imasuen align with the African Union’s Blue Economy Strategy, which includes fisheries, aquaculture, maritime transport and coastal tourism.
Senate Backs Protection of Artisanal Fishers
Imasuen said the National Assembly was open to developing legislative frameworks to protect artisanal fishers and promote inclusive participation in the marine economy.
He highlighted enforcement of the five-nautical-mile Artisanal Exclusive Zone and ownership of cold-chain infrastructure for women involved in fish processing as measures that could strengthen the fishing industry, protect coastal communities and improve economic benefits from marine resources.
ABER Raises Concerns Over Illegal Fishing in West Africa
Kiyaramo introduced ABER as a flagship initiative of the BRACED Tourism Promotion and Development Initiative. He said the organisation has a presence across the five African Union regions and the diaspora, with offices in New Jersey and California and a liaison bureau in Abuja.
Kiyaramo raised concerns about what he described as a “Blue Justice Gap” in the Gulf of Guinea. He said more than 70 per cent of artisanal fishers reportedly go to sea without safety equipment, while West Africa loses an estimated $2.3 billion annually to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
He also said more than 90 per cent of fisherfolk reportedly lack access to legal aid or appropriate channels for reporting violations. He called for stronger regional cooperation and policies to ensure coastal populations benefit from marine resources.
Read also:
- Bayelsa Targets Large-Scale Fish Production, Jobs At Revamped Aquaculture Village
- World Rivers Day 2026: NDBDA Launches Waterways Sanitation Corps, Declares ‘No Blue Economy Without Clean Rivers’
ABER Women’s Forum Policy and Advocacy Director Dr Mrs Ezeadili Appolonia Obiageri and Director of Communication and Public Affairs Hajiya Medina Dauda Nadabo also commended Imasuen for his contributions in the National Assembly.
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