The city of Warri has been identified as a critical hub for the Federal Government’s Blue Economy initiative, as it hosts vast maritime assets and is rich in oil and gas resources.

At a summit on Blue Economy convened by the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atunwatse III, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa, outlined the Federal Government’s Blue Economy initiative and the opportunities it avails the Niger Delta region and Warri in particular.

The Olu of Warri said the summit, with the theme “Harnessing Our Blue Wealth for Sustainable Growth and Shared Prosperity,” was organised to provide a resource destination for the blue economy industries and to promote sustainable blue economy development in Warri and beyond, with special reference to coastal communities across the Niger Delta region and ensuring environmental protection and inclusive economic growth within the marine and aquatic ecosystem.

The monarch said he envisioned a resilient Niger Delta where marine and coastal resources are sustainably managed, creating lasting prosperity for communities while protecting biodiversity for future generations.

Oyetola, who was represented by Mrs Irene Imade Ideva, said the theme of the summit underlined the vision of the Federal Government under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu. He noted that it reflects the government’s determination to unlock the vast economic potential of the oceans, seas, rivers and other aquatic resources as catalysts for economic diversification, job creation, food security and sustainable development.

He said Warri occupies a special place within this vision, as one of Nigeria’s foremost maritime and industrial centres, adding that the city possesses significant comparative advantages for maritime trade, fisheries, logistics, offshore support services, innovation and blue economy investments. The minister emphasised that the continued growth and development of Warri and the wider Niger Delta region will remain central to Nigeria’s maritime future.

He added: “The Blue Economy is increasingly recognised as one of the world’s fastest-growing economic frontiers. It encompasses maritime transport and logistics, fisheries and aquaculture, offshore services, coastal infrastructure, marine tourism, renewable energy, biotechnology and a wide range of ocean-based industries that can drive inclusive economic growth.

“Nigeria is exceptionally positioned to benefit from this transformation. With an extensive coastline, vast inland waterways, abundant aquatic resources and a strategic location along major international shipping routes, our country possesses the natural endowments required to emerge as Africa’s leading Blue Economy destination.”