Abuja: Maritime Innovations Hub has called for sustained and large-scale investment in Nigeria’s economy. The Chief Executive Officer of Maritime Innovations Hub, Ronke Kosoko, made the call during a media parley organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy held in Abuja on Monday. Kosoko emphasized that innovation and effective execution of the blue economy are critical to achieving President Bola Tinubu’s target of a one trillion dollar GDP.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Kosoko pointed out that Nigeria has lost decades of growth due to policy inconsistency, weak execution, and entrenched interests, particularly in the maritime sector. Despite Nigeria’s vast coastline and inland waterways, the sector has delivered far below its job-creation and revenue potential. Kosoko highlighted recent progress under the current administration, including a one billion dollar port rehabilitation program, approval of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port, and the revival of maritime studies at the University of Lagos. She noted Nigeria’s return to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council after 40 years as a major success, signaling a renewed commitment to reform, private-sector participation, and results-driven governance.
Kosoko also announced plans for a Blue Economy Investment Summit aimed at mobilizing local and international capital, addressing logistics and port inefficiencies, and unlocking opportunities across shipping, fisheries, and aquaculture. ‘The summit will bring together federal and state governments, investors, development partners, and industry players to develop an actionable investment roadmap,’ she said.
The Special Assistant to the President on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, highlighted the importance of digital platforms in promoting the blue economy. Olusegun stated that social media is vital for engaging young Nigerians, simplifying policy messages, building digital communities around jobs and investment opportunities, and inspiring participation through visible role models. He emphasized that social media is now central to governance and national development.