Blue Economy Is Key to Nigeria’s Sustainable Development – Sam Onuigbo

A former member of the House of Representatives and climate change advocate, Sam Onuigbo, has described the blue economy as a key pathway to Nigeria’s sustainable development.

Onuigbo said the blue economy offers Nigeria strong opportunities for economic diversification and climate resilience. He urged policymakers to fully integrate climate action into all sectors of national planning.

He made the remarks in Abuja while delivering a goodwill message at the public presentation of a new book titled Blue Economy: Gateway to a Sustainable Future, authored by Dr Chika Chukwudi. The event brought together policymakers, academics, development experts and stakeholders in the climate and sustainability space.

Onuigbo, who represents the South East on the Governing Board of the North East Development Commission, congratulated the author and said the book was timely, coming at a period when sustainability had moved from an aspirational goal to a core requirement for economic resilience, environmental protection and inter-generational prosperity.

He recalled that as the sponsor of the Climate Change Act, 2021, he remains convinced that Nigeria’s future depends on how effectively climate action is embedded across the economy. According to him, the Act provides a strong legal and institutional framework for coordinated climate action involving government, the private sector, civil society and development partners.

Onuigbo also noted that President Bola Tinubu had described climate action not only as an environmental necessity but as a global economic opportunity, adding that this vision is reflected in Nigeria’s growing focus on the blue economy.

He explained that the Climate Change Act recognizes nature-based solutions as vital tools for reducing emissions and addressing climate impacts. The law, he said, also supports Natural Capital Accounting to properly value ecosystems such as oceans, wetlands, mangroves, and coastal habitats.

The former lawmaker commended the Tinubu administration for establishing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, noting that it is well positioned to harness Nigeria’s 853 kilometers of coastline for sustainable growth and job creation. He said the ministry is expected to coordinate areas such as maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, offshore energy and inland waterways.

Onuigbo also highlighted other climate initiatives of the current administration, including the National Carbon Market Activation Policy, the National Carbon Registry, the Climate Change Fund, and the Presidential Committee on Climate Action and Green Economic Solutions.

He described Chukwudi’s book as a valuable contribution that would support policy development, guide industry practice, and strengthen academic research. He encouraged policymakers and the public to read the book and deepen their understanding of the blue economy.

He further called on the Federal Ministry of Education to implement provisions of the Climate Change Act that require the inclusion of climate change studies at all levels of education and praised the author and organisers for advancing Nigeria’s climate and sustainability agenda.