NIGERIA’s BLUE ECONOMY: ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Abstract

Abstract
Our marine environment is vital to our survival as it is fragile. Its protection and preservation cannot be
overemphasized. The exploration of the marine environment is key to the existence of the global economy
which is why its sustainable usage is important. This is what blue economy entails. Every coastal country
has blue economy potentials and Nigeria is one of them. This paper therefore discussed doctrinally,
Nigeria’s blue economy potentials, the challenges and prospects around an economic and environmentally
sustainable blue economy for Nigeria. Although the potentials were revealed, it was also revealed that the
blue economy sector is faced with serious challenges such as the lack of adequate funding, working policy
framework, among others., that need to be tacked urgently. Recommendations were provided to that effect,
primarily focusing on political will, creating and implementing a working blue economy framework,
implementing existing legal and institutional framework, enhancing marine environmental protection and
managing the countries resources among others in order to fully enjoy the benefits that lie therein.