Delta State is taking strategic steps to establish a dedicated Ministry for Marine and Blue Economy as part of efforts to harness its vast coastal resources and accelerate economic growth.
Deputy Governor Sir Monday Onyeme disclosed the plan while speaking with journalists at the Blue Economy Investment Summit 2026, themed “Shifting Gears: Heading to a New Frontier in Maritime Economy,” held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre on Thursday. He said the state government has already put in place key institutional frameworks, including a blue economy steering committee and a technical committee, to drive the agenda.
“We have been able to establish the full blue economy steering committee and the technical committee. The steering committee handles the fine-tuning, while the technical committee is working on the broad stages of implementation,” Onyeme said. He explained that the technical committee is tasked with identifying priority areas within the expansive blue economy sector because funding constraints mean not all sectors can be developed at once.
The Deputy Governor noted that Delta intends to align closely with the Federal Government’s maritime development initiatives, especially following the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. “Delta State intends to work along with the Federal Government. With the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, we are also working towards establishing our own ministry because we have a lot to offer,” he stated.
Highlighting the state’s natural advantages, Onyeme emphasized that Delta boasts one of the longest coastlines among Nigeria’s coastal states, with approximately 160 to 163 kilometres of coastline and a network of creeks, rivers, and estuaries forming part of the Niger Delta. He said 14 out of the state’s 25 local government areas are directly linked to the blue economy due to their proximity to waterways, presenting opportunities in aquaculture, marine transport, offshore energy, tourism, and logistics.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by Onyeme at the summit, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to unlocking the sector’s potential. “The creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a commendable and strategic step forward,” Oborevwori said in an address delivered by the deputy governor. He added that the state has developed a comprehensive roadmap to drive its blue economy agenda.
Onyeme expressed optimism that platforms like the summit would attract investors to the state and speed up development. “We are hopeful that with investor interest from platforms like this summit, we can move faster. Before the end of this administration, we expect that some aspects of the blue economy will already be operational,” he said. The summit brought together policymakers, investors, and stakeholders in the maritime sector to explore new opportunities and strategies for advancing Nigeria’s blue economy.
