For decades, Nigeria’s economic narrative has been closely tied to oil and gas. Strengthening this sector remains vital, but beneath our waters lies another frontier of prosperity — the blue economy.
From fisheries and aquaculture to shipping, maritime security, mineral mining, offshore energy, marine biotechnology, and sustainable tourism, the blue economy represents a trillion-dollar opportunity worldwide.
For Nigeria, with its long coastline and now an expanded Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), this is more than an opportunity; it is a national imperative.
The world is changing fast. The global population is rising, while land resources are stretched thin. Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth, yet remain vastly underexplored.
For Nigeria, unlocking the potential of our waters is not just about today’s economy, but about building resilience and opportunities for generations to come.
Estimates suggest that Nigeria’s blue economy could generate over $200 billion in the next 30 years, but this figure is modest compared to nations with shorter coastlines and smaller maritime zones. With vision and investment, Nigeria can far exceed this projection.
As a FIG/IHO/ICA Category-A hydrographer, ocean engineering doctoral researcher, and participant in international deep-sea exploration expeditions, I have seen how data and technology transform oceans from unknown frontiers into managed resources.
Nigeria’s blue economy journey will not be different — it must be built on the foundation of accurate data, modern technology, and resilient institutions.
Nigeria’s New Ocean Frontier
The recent approval of Nigeria’s extended EEZ gives our nation sovereign rights over one of the largest maritime spaces in Africa. This expanded jurisdiction holds immense potential: richer fisheries, renewable energy sites, shipping lanes, mineral deposits, and biodiversity hotspots.
But potential alone is not enough. Without reliable data, this EEZ remains a map on paper rather than a living engine of economic growth and national security.
The truth is clear: we cannot manage, secure, protect, or benefit from what we have not mapped.
Why Data is the Backbone of the Blue Economy
Hydrographic and Oceanographic data — accurate maps of the seafloor, currents, and ocean conditions — is not just a scientific tool; it is economic infrastructure. Safe shipping depends on modern nautical charts. Fisheries management requires data on fish stocks and habitats.
Offshore energy developers need seafloor and oceanographic data to plan installations. Coastal communities rely on early-warning systems for flooding and erosion, which in turn depend on accurate bathymetric and oceanographic models.
If Nigeria is to lead in the blue economy, investing in hydrographic surveys, ocean mapping, and marine spatial planning must come first. Without this backbone, policies remain guesswork, and investments in the blue economy become risky.
Leveraging Emerging Technologies
Fortunately, new technologies are reducing the cost and time of ocean data collection. Autonomous surface and underwater vehicles can map large areas of seafloor with minimal manpower.
Satellite remote sensing provides near-real-time information on coastal change, fisheries, and pollution. Artificial intelligence and big data analytics allow us to integrate diverse streams of information into actionable insights for decision-makers.
Nigeria can leapfrog into the future by adopting these technologies rather than relying solely on outdated methods.
Establishing a National Ocean Data
Center to store, integrate, and distribute marine data would ensure that ministries, industries, and researchers have the knowledge needed to plan, invest, and innovate.
Building Capacity and Governance
Technology alone is not enough. Nigeria must build human capacity in hydrography, ocean mapping, marine science, and data science. Training the next generation of Nigerian hydrographers and ocean professionals is essential.
Our institutions, from the Nigerian Navy Hydrographic Office to NIMASA and NIOMR, need stronger budgets, modern equipment, and collaboration with international centers of excellence.
Most importantly, ocean mapping and hydrography should be recognized in national policy as critical infrastructure, just like roads, electricity, and telecommunications. Without it, our maritime domain cannot be fully secured, developed, or sustainably managed.
A Call to Action
Nigeria has long been described as a giant of Africa, yet our blue economy remains underdeveloped. With an expanded EEZ and unparalleled maritime potential, we now stand at a crossroads.
By investing in data, adopting emerging technologies, and building strong institutions, Nigeria can diversify its economy, secure its waters, create jobs, and ensure long-term sustainability.
The oceans are Nigeria’s next frontier. The blue economy is not a distant dream; it is here, waiting beneath our waters.
The question is not whether Nigeria has the potential, but whether we have the vision and courage to act. The time is now!
Author: Elias Adediran
Elias Adediran is a FIG/IHO/ICA Category-A hydrographer and doctoral researcher in Ocean Engineering at the University of New Hampshire.
Adediran has participated in and led numerous offshore surveys within Nigerian waters, joined international deep-sea exploration expeditions, and focuses on characterizing uncertainty in bathymetry and the use of emerging technology in hydrography.
