The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to sustainable and climate-responsive practices as central to the development of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
This position was restated by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, during a meeting with a delegation from Invest International led by Fenna Zoe Howkamp.
According to a statement issued by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Anastasia Ogbonna on Wednesday, Mahmood emphasised that the Ministry is embedding climate considerations into its policies and programmes.
“The Ministry is actively integrating climate considerations into its policies and programmes, with a strong focus on reducing carbon footprints, conserving marine ecosystems, and promoting environmentally responsible resource utilisation,” Mahmood said.
She noted that global attention is shifting towards the sustainable exploration of marine resources, including emerging areas such as marine mining, stressing that Nigeria is aligning with international best practices.
“Nigeria is aligning with international best practices to ensure that such activities are undertaken without adverse environmental impact, while safeguarding critical ecosystems, including coral reefs,” she added.
The Permanent Secretary identified the fisheries subsector as a key priority, citing its importance to food and nutrition security as well as employment generation.
“The fisheries subsector plays a critical role in enhancing food and nutrition security, as well as job creation. Nigeria is endowed with vast marine and freshwater resources, with significant opportunities for investment and growth,” she said.
Mahmood also reiterated the Ministry’s openness to partnerships, particularly in port services and marine infrastructure, to attract long-term investments.
“We remain open to strategic partnerships to unlock the long-term investment required for sustainable development and are ready to collaborate with international partners to drive innovation and sustainability in the blue economy,” she stated.
In her remarks, Howkamp reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to strengthening collaboration with Nigeria in the sector.
“We are committed to deepening collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, leveraging our expertise in marine and water management,” she said.
She disclosed that the organisation had proposed projects including a coastal protection initiative with a feasibility study, as well as nature-based solutions for drainage and water supply systems.
Howkamp further outlined financing options available through Invest International.
“Our financing options include up to 35 per cent funding support for public infrastructure projects valued between €100 million and €150 million. This can be structured through co-financing arrangements with institutions such as the World Bank and the European Investment Bank, or through direct lending,” she explained.
She called for sustained engagement to advance feasibility studies and partnerships aimed at promoting sustainable, nature-based solutions for Nigeria’s coastal communities.
