Speaking at the 2025 World Maritime Day celebration, the Chairperson, Board of Trustees of the Women in Maritime and Energy Awards (WIME), Dr. Mrs. Chizoba Christiana Anyika, called for urgent action to diversify Nigeria’s blue economy beyond oil and shipping.
She emphasized that Nigeria’s 850 km coastline remains underutilized despite its enormous potential for tourism, recreation, and ecotourism. “Ecotourism is critical not only for sustainability but also for boosting Nigeria’s GDP and empowering coastal communities,” she said.
Dr. Anyika stressed the importance of building blue infrastructure through sustainable planning, including eco-friendly resorts, marinas, and cruise terminals. She warned that infrastructure development must integrate climate resilience, environmental safeguards, and community participation if it is to succeed long term.
She further highlighted the need for environmental and cultural preservation, noting that mangrove forests, coastal wetlands, and traditional maritime festivals are vital assets. “Tourism that ignores our environment or erodes our culture is not sustainable,” she declared.
Calling for collaboration between policymakers, investors, and local communities, Dr. Anyika concluded: “The blue economy must go beyond shipping and oil. It must embrace tourism, recreation, and ecotourism as key pathways to prosperity.”
The World Maritime Day celebration provided a timely reminder that Nigeria’s maritime future is not only about protecting ships and oil rigs but about unlocking the power of its coastlines for sustainable prosperity.
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