Organisers of the Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit have called for stronger coordination among private sector operators involved in maritime security, arguing that a more aligned approach is critical to sustaining recent gains in the region.

The call was made following a courtesy visit by the summit’s organising team to Target One Group in Abuja, according to a statement released at the weekend.

The organisers noted that while government-led interventions have improved stability in parts of the Niger Delta, long-term security of maritime assets and energy infrastructure will depend on closer collaboration between public agencies and private operators working in the region.

The statement, signed by Emmanuel Ukpong, lead consultant at Gadfly Consulting Limited, said the visit formed part of preparations for the upcoming summit and broader engagement with stakeholders in the maritime and energy security space.

According to the organisers, Nigeria’s oil-producing region previously suffered prolonged disruptions caused by pipeline vandalism and crude oil theft, which significantly reduced national output and government revenue. At the height of the crisis, production levels reportedly fell far below installed capacity, creating knock-on effects across the wider economy.

They acknowledged that a combination of policy interventions and enhanced security operations has contributed to recent improvements, including collaborations involving private security firms and community-based initiatives. Reference was also made to the role of companies such as Tantita Security Limited in supporting pipeline surveillance efforts.

Speaking on the objectives of the summit, co-convener Uche Igwe said the event was designed to provide a structured forum for reviewing progress, identifying gaps and aligning stakeholders around practical solutions for the Niger Delta’s blue economy.

He said a dedicated session on maritime security would bring together government agencies and private sector operators to encourage consistent dialogue and shared benchmarks for improvement. According to him, international experts have also been invited to share comparative experiences from other jurisdictions.

Igwe further commended Nigeria’s security architecture for recent improvements in maritime safety, citing collaboration between the Navy and relevant regulatory bodies, including the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.

The annual summit, which is holding for the first time from 9 to 11 February in Ikot Ekpene, is expected to focus on investment, governance and sustainability within the Niger Delta’s maritime and coastal economy.

Former Tunisian prime minister Mehdi Jomaa is scheduled to attend as keynote speaker, while Umo Eno, governor of Akwa Ibom State, is billed to formally open the event.