Nigeria is redirecting its blue economy strategy toward practical investment delivery, strengthening collaboration with the World Bank to develop bankable projects that can attract funding and speed up implementation of key maritime initiatives.
The new direction, supported under the PROBLUE programme, marks a move away from policy formulation and data development toward structuring commercially viable projects that can secure international financing and stimulate measurable growth in the maritime sector.
This was highlighted during a high-level technical meeting focused on validating key findings and aligning priorities for the implementation of Nigeria’s Blue Economy Blueprint. The discussions centred on improving coordination between stakeholders and ensuring that earlier technical work is translated into real investment outcomes.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy commended the World Bank team and other technical partners for their support, noting that significant progress had already been made in strengthening data systems and analytical tools needed for long-term planning.
She stressed that the next phase must prioritise the identification of “bankable projects” capable of attracting funding from global development partners, with emphasis on turning technical outputs into investable opportunities that can drive growth in the sector.
From an economic and maritime business standpoint, the partnership is expected to open up opportunities in fisheries, coastal infrastructure, and marine services, while also improving investor confidence through stronger governance and data-backed planning.
Representatives from the World Bank also expressed appreciation for the collaboration, noting that the initiative is building a foundation for a comprehensive blue data system and improved methods for coastal zone management.
They added that the programme will support the creation of blue clusters in selected pilot states, which are expected to become key drivers of maritime development and investment attraction.
The initiative, anchored on PROBLUE, aims to support sustainable management of marine and coastal resources, reduce marine pollution, improve fisheries systems, and diversify maritime economic activities while ensuring environmental sustainability and long-term resilience.
