The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to climate-responsive and sustainable practices as core pillars for developing Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
This is contained in a press statement signed and issued to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday by Anastasia Ogbonna, Director, Information and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
According to the statement, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy (FMMBE), Mrs Fatima Mahmood, made this known while receiving a delegation from Invest International, a Dutch state-owned development finance institution under the Netherlands Ministry of Finance, led by Ms Fenna Zoe Howkamp.
Mahmood disclosed that the Ministry was actively mainstreaming climate considerations into its policies and programmes, with a sharp focus on reducing carbon footprints, conserving marine ecosystems, and promoting environmentally responsible resource utilisation.
She noted that global attention is increasingly shifting to the sustainable exploration of marine resources, including emerging areas such as marine mining.
According to her, Nigeria is aligning with international best practices to ensure such activities proceed without adverse environmental impact, while safeguarding critical ecosystems such as coral reefs.
She further identified the fisheries subsector as a priority, stressing its critical role in boosting food and nutrition security and creating jobs. While acknowledging Nigeria’s vast marine and freshwater resources, she pointed to significant opportunities for investment and growth within the subsector.
The Permanent Secretary reiterated the Ministry’s openness to strategic partnerships, particularly in port services and marine infrastructure, to unlock the long-term investment required for sustainable development.
She assured the delegation of Nigeria’s readiness to collaborate with international partners to drive innovation, investment, and sustainability in the blue economy.
In her remarks, the Head of Public Finance for Invest International (Southern Africa Region, including Nigeria), Ms Fenna Howkamp, reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to deepening collaboration with the Ministry.
She highlighted the organisation’s expertise in marine and water management and presented specific project proposals, including a coastal protection initiative with an accompanying feasibility study, and nature-based solutions for drainage and water supply systems.
Howkamp underscored the shared interest in developing resilient public infrastructure within the blue economy and expressed readiness to align proposed initiatives with the Ministry’s priority areas.
She also outlined Invest International’s financing options, which include up to 35% funding support for public infrastructure projects valued between €100 million and €150 million.
According to her, such financing could be structured through co-financing arrangements with institutions like the World Bank and the European Investment Bank, or through direct lending to the Ministry.
She called for sustained engagement to formalise feasibility studies and identify partners to advance coastal protection and other blue economy initiatives that promote sustainable, nature-based solutions for Nigeria’s coastal communities.
