The fourth Ehingbeti Blue Economy Hub is set to address weak regulatory frameworks and maritime insecurity as major barriers to investment, coastal development and job creation in Nigeria’s blue economy.

Themed: ‘Securing Nigeria’s Blue Economy: Need to Strengthen Regulatory and Maritime Framework for Sustainable Coastal Development,’ the event is scheduled for September 17, 2026, in Lagos

Speaking ahead of the event, the Convener, Olaitan Williams, said Nigeria could not fully harness the blue economy potential without deliberately integrating coastal communities into its development framework.

She said the benefits of the blue economy would remain limited unless coastal communities, which constitute the foundation of many maritime activities, were included in policy and investment decisions.

Williams, who is also the Founder of Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF), argued that insufficient security would discourage investors and make banks reluctant to finance inland waterways and coastal projects.

She also criticised what she described as inadequate legal provisions for coastal community development, noting that current blue economy policies appeared to place greater emphasis on formal economic activities than rural fisheries and indigenous maritime livelihoods.

She linked maritime insecurity partly to socio-economic conditions in coastal communities, stressing that the same communities whose members may become involved in maritime crimes are often the first responders during boat accidents and other emergencies on the waterways.

Williams stressed the need to convert the skills and indigenous knowledge of coastal residents into productive economic opportunities.

She said the forum would examine two critical chapters: legal framework and security architecture, as part of efforts to develop a blueprint for Nigeria’s inland waterways and coastal communities.

Williams also identified illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing as an area requiring stronger enforcement and legal backing, arguing that Nigeria must protect its fisheries and natural assets from exploitation by foreign operators.

She further called for stronger partnerships among government, investors, financial institutions and insurers, saying effective regulation and security would improve investor confidence and unlock financing.