The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable, climate-responsive initiatives as core pillars of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Fatima Mahmood, disclosed this in a statement released by the ministry on Tuesday.

Mahmood said the ministry was prioritising policies that support environmental sustainability and responsible use of marine resources.

She said, “The Ministry is actively integrating climate considerations into its policies and programmes, with a strong focus on reducing carbon footprints, conserving marine ecosystems, and promoting environmentally responsible resource utilisation.”

She added that global attention was shifting towards sustainable exploration of marine resources, noting that emerging sectors such as marine mining must be handled carefully.

She said, “Nigeria is aligning with international best practices to ensure that such activities are undertaken without adverse environmental impact while safeguarding critical ecosystems, including coral reefs.”

Mahmood also identified the fisheries subsector as a priority area for the government, saying, “The fisheries subsector remains a priority area, given its critical role in enhancing food and nutrition security, as well as job creation.”

The Permanent Secretary noted that Nigeria possesses vast marine and freshwater resources but stressed that there were still significant opportunities for investment and growth within the subsector.

She reiterated the ministry’s readiness to partner with relevant stakeholders to advance development in the sector: “The Ministry remains open to strategic partnerships, particularly in port services and marine infrastructure, to unlock long-term investment required for sustainable development.

“Nigeria is ready to collaborate with international partners to drive innovation, investment, and sustainability in the blue economy.”

Also speaking, the Head of Public Finance, Invest International for the Southern Africa region, including Nigeria, Fenna Howkamp, reaffirmed the Netherlands’ commitment to strengthening collaboration with the ministry.

Howkamp said, “Invest International remains committed to deepening collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.”

She highlighted the organisation’s expertise in marine and water management and presented project proposals aimed at supporting Nigeria’s coastal and marine infrastructure: “We have expertise in marine and water management and are proposing specific projects, including a coastal protection initiative with an accompanying feasibility study, as well as nature-based solutions for drainage and water supply systems.”

She noted the shared interest in building resilient public infrastructure within the blue economy and aligning the proposed initiatives with the ministry’s priorities, adding that Invest International provides financing support for large-scale public infrastructure.

She said, “Our financing options include up to 35% funding support for public infrastructure projects valued between €100m and €150m.

“Such financing can be structured through co-financing arrangements with institutions such as the World Bank and the European Investment Bank or through direct lending to the ministry.”

She also called for sustained engagement between both parties, saying, “There is a need 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.”