Participants of the Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, have reiterated the urgent need to harness Nigeria’s blue economy to create employment and drive national development.
This formed the crux of discussions during their visit to the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Igbokoda, Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State, as part of their week-long study tour of the Sunshine State.
Welcoming the participants, the Commanding Officer, Navy Captain A. Usman, highlighted the immense economic prospects embedded in the blue economy—ranging from fisheries, maritime transport, and tourism to renewable energy and seabed mining.
He noted that despite its vast potential, the sector remains underutilized, largely due to policy gaps and security challenges.
A detailed lecture was delivered by Lt. Maleek Morgan, the Operating Officer, who demystified the concept of blue economy and outlined the strategic roles the Nigerian Navy is playing to ensure maritime security and economic viability in coastal regions.
Morgan noted that the Navy’s efforts, though commendable, require stronger collaboration with civilian institutions and increased investment to guarantee results.
An engaging question-and-answer session followed the presentations, during which participants shared insights and raised critical issues, all aimed at repositioning the maritime sector for national benefit.
In his remarks, Dr. Mohamed Usman, who represented the Director of Finance and Administration, applauded the Navy for its clarity and strategic input.
He assured that findings from the tour would enrich the national policy discourse and possibly chart new directions for the blue economy sector.
The NIPSS delegation later visited the Araromi Seaside, where they were received by the Alara of Araromi, Oba Olawale Adeoloye.
The monarch used the occasion to advocate for increased government attention to coastal tourism, noting that proper development of the region’s natural endowments could turn it into a global tourism destination.
The visit ended with a tour of the Atlantic coastline, where the participants expressed awe at the rich and largely untapped natural resources available in the area.
