Preparations have been concluded for the maiden Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit, scheduled to hold in Akwa Ibom State from February 9 to 11.

In a statement issued by the summit’s organising committee, co-convener Dr Uche Igwe said the gathering is designed to bring together key stakeholders to redefine the economic future of the Niger Delta through the sustainable use of its vast blue economy assets.

According to Igwe, the summit will move beyond routine policy conversations to focus on practical, locally driven solutions that can unlock long-term prosperity across the region, while ensuring that coastal and riverine communities are not left behind.

He disclosed that the keynote speaker for the summit, former Tunisian Prime Minister Mehdi Jomaa, is expected to arrive in Nigeria ahead of the event. Jomaa, he noted, is keen to share Tunisia’s experience in transforming its Mediterranean coastline into a viable economic asset through structured blue economy policies.

Igwe added that the summit will work closely with relevant government agencies and institutions to develop a coordinated implementation framework through a proposed Niger Delta Blue Economy Masterplan. This, he said, will also include strategies for attracting and leveraging blue financing to ensure adequate mobilisation of resources.

“We are looking at a 10-year plan in the first instance,” he said. “Our target is to generate at least 100,000 direct and indirect jobs annually across multiple sectors. By matching strong, bankable ideas with available financing, we aim to move from concepts to implementation. The process will involve collaboration with regional institutions such as the Niger Delta Development Commission, the South-South Development Commission, state governments across the region and organised private sector platforms.”

Governors from all Niger Delta states, alongside chief executives of federal and regional institutions operating in the area, are expected to attend the summit.

Also speaking, a member of the organising committee, Emmanuel Ukpong, praised Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno for what he described as bold investments in the blue economy, particularly the Ibom Deep Seaport project in Ibaka.

Ukpong said such initiatives have the potential to significantly boost job creation and expand economic opportunities for residents of Akwa Ibom State. He added that hosting the summit in the state would provide an opportunity to showcase Akwa Ibom’s growing reputation as an investment-friendly destination, driven by supportive policies and infrastructure development.

He further confirmed that senior blue economy experts from the United Kingdom and South Africa have also confirmed their participation in the summit.