Nigeria’s maritime sector is gaining renewed attention as thought leaders, policymakers, and private-sector innovators rally to secure the nation’s vast ocean resources and harness them for economic growth. This momentum was on full display at the Code Blue 3.0 session, a flagship edition of the Ocean Intelligence Brief convened under the auspices of the Blue Economy Academy (BEA) and organized by the Dean of the School of Eloquence, Mr. Ubong Essien.
Themed “The Duality of Security and Prosperity, Nigeria’s Blue Economy Rising,” the September 30, 2025 session underscored the inseparable link between maritime security and national prosperity. It brought together senior government officials, naval authorities, investors, maritime professionals, and civil society actors to examine how Nigeria can strengthen its ocean governance while unlocking new opportunities across trade, tourism, fisheries, and innovation.
As Project Organizer, Mr. Ubong Essien, widely respected for his leadership and eloquence in driving thought-based national dialogues, emphasized that the Blue Economy cannot thrive without intentional collaboration and informed public engagement. “Maritime security and economic growth are two sides of the same coin,” Essien said. “Our duty is to bridge the gap between awareness and action — so that every Nigerian understands that our wealth lies in our waters.”
Deep Blue and SHADE: Anchoring Maritime Security Progress
The Code Blue 3.0 Communiqué highlighted the tangible progress Nigeria has made through initiatives such as the Deep Blue Project and SHADE (Shared Awareness and Deconfliction for the Gulf of Guinea), which have significantly curtailed piracy and improved investor confidence. These milestones, stakeholders agreed, are laying the foundation for sustainable economic growth, increased trade, and innovation in marine industries.
However, the communiqué also drew attention to unresolved gaps, including funding shortfalls, regulatory inconsistencies, and infrastructural deficits, which continue to limit the sector’s potential.
Blueprint for Action: Turning Security into Prosperity
Participants at Code Blue 3.0 presented actionable steps to bridge these gaps, including:
- Strengthening inter-agency coordination and maritime domain awareness.
- Expanding regional data sharing and collaboration frameworks.
- Investing in seaport modernization, shipyard capacity, and logistics infrastructure.
- Developing the next generation of blue economy professionals through training and academic partnerships.
- Mainstreaming innovation, gender inclusion, and sustainability in ocean policy planning.
Ubong Essien’s Vision for “Eliminating Sea Blindness”
Mr. Essien reiterated the Code Blue platform’s mission to eliminate “sea blindness” — the lack of awareness about the value and potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain. He noted that through the Blue Economy Academy’s Code Blue initiative, stakeholders now have a dedicated platform to analyze data, share intelligence, and craft strategies that translate maritime resources into economic wealth.
“Every ship that enters Nigerian waters is more than cargo — it’s opportunity,” he said. “We must create the systems, skills, and safeguards that ensure our oceans drive sustainable prosperity for future generations.”
Next Steps for the Blue Economy
As Code Blue continues to hold its monthly Ocean Intelligence Briefs, it is fast becoming a cornerstone for policy advocacy, investment dialogue, and maritime education in Nigeria. With Mr. Ubong Essien steering the platform’s intellectual and organizational direction, the initiative is set to deepen collaboration between the public and private sectors, attract global investors, and empower young Nigerians to play active roles in the blue economy revolution.
Stakeholders and maritime enthusiasts are invited to download and review the full communiqué at: https://blueeconomyacademy.com/code-blue.
The future of Nigeria’s blue economy, as Code Blue 3.0 affirms, will depend on how well the nation secures its waters, nurtures its talent, and unlocks the vast potential that lies beneath its seas.
The Blue Economy Academy’s Code Blue 3.0, organized by Dean of the School of Eloquence, Ubong Essien, spotlighted Nigeria’s maritime progress under the theme “The Duality of Security and Prosperity.” The communiqué highlights gains from the Deep Blue Project, SHADE, and strategies to boost investment and end “sea blindness.”
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