Stakeholders have called for Information and communication technologies (ICT) disruption in the nation’s $296 billion blue economy to drive sustainability and economic development.
They gave the submission at the second edition of the African Maritime Art Exhibition (AMAE) held in Lagos, with the theme: “The Convergence – Maritime meets ICT.”
The Country Lead and Programme Adviser of the Global Digital Access Programme with the United Kingdom (UK) Government, Idongesit Udoh, listed key areas for ICT disruption in the nation’s blue economy to include, real-time monitoring of marine activities that allow for effective surveillance, security and enforcement against illegal fishing, piracy and environmental violations.
Others are technology-driven satellite imaging, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and Artificial Intelligence (AI).Citing figures from the World Bank, Udoh noted that the global blue economy sector is worth an estimated $1.5 trillion yearly and is expected to double to $3 trillion yearly by 2030 and support the lives of more than three to four billion people.
The digital development expert pointed out that for Nigeria to benefit from this huge economy, which is the seventh largest economy in the world, it needs strategic investment in technology to achieve a more efficient, secure, and ecologically balanced blue economy.
“Nigeria’s Blue Economy sector should envision a harmonious integration of ICT, fostering innovation, sustainability, and resilience. The impact of this enhances maritime security, reduces illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and contributes to the sustainable management of marine resources,” Udoh said. Udoh further listed climate resilience and predictive analytics technology, including climate modelling and big data analytics.
According to him, ICT tools facilitate climate resilience by providing predictive analytics for understanding and adapting to the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems. He said the impact enables proactive decision-making, aiding in the development of strategies to mitigate climate-related risks.
“Documentation, storage and cybersecurity, which comprise Cloud Computing, is a cloud-based storage solution that provides scalable, cost-effective, and secure options for storing vast amounts of data.
“Big data analytics ICT enables the processing and analysis of large datasets, extracting valuable insights from diverse sources of information. Decentralised storage, which comprises blockchain technology, offers decentralised and secure storage solutions, enhancing data integrity and reducing the risk of data theft,” he said.
In his keynote address, the Director General, the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), Charles Ebuebu, commended the organisers of the event for showcasing the rich tapestry of marine and the blue economy as well as emphasising the intersection of maritime and ICT.
He said the significance of the blue economy cannot be emphasised enough, noting that with an estimated worth of $296 billion in Nigeria alone, it stands as a cornerstone of economic potential, offering a multitude of opportunities for diverse careers.
“Africa’s economic landscape is intricately interwoven with the maritime sector, supporting nearly 50 million jobs. This symbiotic relationship underscores the pivotal role that maritime activities play in our continent’s development. It is a dynamic ecosystem that not only fosters economic prosperity but also cultivates cultural and social ties,” he stated.
The Principal Partner, Jean-Chiazor and Partners, Mrs. Jean-Chiazor Anishere, commended the theme, adding that as the world is going global so is the need to be more rooted in Information Technology.
Anishere noted that a more proactive approach to ICT and innovations will be more beneficial to the nation as it seeks to maximise the gains inherent in the blue economy.
Representing the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko at the event, the Port Manager, Apapa Port, Mr. Charles Okaga applauded the convener for the advocacy role she and her team have been playing in the industry.
He recounted some successes already recorded in the authority’s activities as a result of ICT deployment. He said ship manifests handling at ports has been enhanced with ICT just as he identified ship/port security to curb piracy and checkmate stowaway as possible areas to explore ICT deployment
Earlier, the AMAE Convener/ Programme Director, Ezinne Azunna, explained that the event, which is the second edition comes with a new twist, aimed at facilitating quality exchange in the industry.
Ezinne added that the theme underscores the invaluable need for updated technologies across the value chain with the audience largely drawn from the blue economy, Art and ICT world. She stated that AMAE uses photography, textile art, paints, sculpture and other motifs/subjects to tell stories and support causes around the Blue Economy.
