Tinubu Targets Maritime Boom With 5 Million Blue Economy Jobs

President Bola Tinubu has set an ambitious target of creating five million jobs by 2035 as his administration moves to unlock the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s oceans, waterways and coastal resources through a sweeping blue economy strategy.

The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce the country’s dependence on oil revenues and position the maritime sector as a major driver of economic growth, investment and employment. The government is looking to harness opportunities across shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, marine transportation, coastal tourism, offshore energy and emerging ocean-based industries.

Tinubu described the blue economy as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s future prosperity, pointing to the nation’s extensive coastline, abundant aquatic resources and strategic location along key international shipping routes as advantages that could transform the sector into a significant contributor to national development.

The vision gained momentum following the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023, a move aimed at consolidating oversight of maritime activities and accelerating sector-wide reforms. Since then, authorities have stepped up efforts to modernise port infrastructure, improve logistics efficiency and strengthen security across the nation’s waterways.

At the heart of the government’s strategy is a newly approved 10-year National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, designed to provide a long-term framework for sustainable development of Nigeria’s marine assets. Officials say the policy will help attract private investment, create new economic opportunities and ensure responsible management of ocean resources.

Key focus areas include boosting fish production through aquaculture, expanding maritime transport services, upgrading ports and terminals, developing coastal tourism hubs and encouraging innovation in fields such as marine biotechnology and renewable ocean energy.

The administration is also placing significant emphasis on maritime security. Tinubu warned that illegal fishing, crude oil theft, piracy, smuggling and other criminal activities continue to deprive the country of substantial revenue and investment opportunities. He pledged continued support for surveillance systems and security operations aimed at protecting Nigeria’s territorial waters.

Industry stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, arguing that a well-developed blue economy could emerge as one of Nigeria’s strongest non-oil sectors. Experts believe sustained investment, policy consistency and public-private collaboration will be crucial to achieving the administration’s job creation and growth targets.

As Nigeria seeks new engines of economic expansion, the blue economy is increasingly being viewed as a strategic frontier capable of generating millions of jobs, boosting exports, strengthening food security and delivering long-term prosperity for coastal and riverine communities across the country.