Tinubu Unveils Nigeria’s Ocean Agenda, Calls for Collective Action to Secure Africa’s Maritime Future

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for stronger international cooperation to protect Africa’s oceans, strengthen maritime security and unlock the economic potential of the blue economy.

The President made the call on Tuesday at the 11th edition of the Our Ocean Conference held in Mombasa, Kenya, where he was represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye.

Tinubu thanked the Government and people of Kenya for hosting the conference, describing the gathering as a demonstration of global commitment to safeguarding the oceans for present and future generations.

He said Nigeria, as one of Africa’s leading maritime nations with extensive coastal waters and a strategic position in the Gulf of Guinea, recognizes the ocean as a critical asset for economic growth, national security and climate resilience.

According to him, ocean resources remain essential to Nigeria’s food security, trade, energy development and the livelihoods of millions of citizens, particularly those living in coastal communities.

“For Nigeria, the ocean is not only a source of prosperity but also a pillar of sovereignty, security and climate resilience,” the President stated.

Nigeria Reaffirms Maritime Commitments

The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to global ocean governance frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, while advocating stronger African cooperation to address threats facing marine resources.

He identified illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as a major challenge undermining food security and economic stability across coastal nations.

Tinubu said Nigeria was investing in maritime domain awareness, surveillance and security capabilities to safeguard its territorial waters and promote responsible use of ocean resources.

Blue Economy as Growth Driver

On the blue economy, the President disclosed that Nigeria had launched a National Blue Economy Action Plan aimed at leveraging fisheries, shipping, maritime tourism and renewable energy to create inclusive economic opportunities.

He urged stronger global partnerships, increased financing and technology transfer to enable African coastal states to maximize the benefits of ocean-based industries.

Tinubu said developing the blue economy would provide opportunities for job creation, economic diversification and sustainable development.

Climate Change, Marine Protection

Addressing climate change and ocean health, the President stressed the need to protect vulnerable coastal communities from rising environmental threats.

He pledged that Nigeria would continue efforts to expand marine protected areas by 2030 and restore mangrove ecosystems, which serve as natural barriers against climate impacts.

He also called for increased global support to tackle marine pollution, especially plastic waste, which threatens marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal populations.

Nigeria Highlights Gulf of Guinea Security Gains

Speaking on maritime security, Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s leadership role in the Yaoundé Architecture for Gulf of Guinea security and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation.

He called for joint patrols, intelligence sharing and stronger institutional frameworks to secure African waters.

The President linked maritime security to broader development priorities, including food security, trade facilitation and peacebuilding.

He disclosed that Nigeria had made significant progress in reducing piracy activities in the Gulf of Guinea, describing the achievement as a major boost to freedom of navigation and shipping in the region.

“Nigeria has successfully degraded piracy in the Gulf of Guinea, thereby removing a major impediment to freedom of navigation and shipping in the region,” he said.

Call for Inclusive Ocean Governance

Tinubu welcomed deeper partnerships with Kenya, other African coastal states, development banks, private sector players and civil society organizations to mobilize sustainable financing for ocean initiatives.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that women and young people play active roles in ocean governance and decision-making processes.

The President said Nigeria’s message at the conference was clear: the future of the ocean depends on collective responsibility and coordinated action.

“Our ocean is our heritage and its future depends on collective action. We stand ready to lead, to collaborate and to contribute to building a continent where maritime sovereignty is respected, security is guaranteed and prosperity is shared,” he said.

He urged African countries and global partners to work together to preserve the oceans as a source of life, peace and opportunity for generations to come.