Marine Ministry, World Bank strengthen partnership to drive Nigeria’s Blue Economy Agenda 

 
By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
 
The Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy has intensified its collaboration with the World Bank to accelerate the implementation of Nigeria’s blue economy strategy under the PROBLUE initiative.
 
This was the focus of a high-level technical cooperation meeting convened to validate key findings and outcomes critical to the country’s maritime development.
 
The meeting reviewed progress on a comprehensive Blue Economy Framework designed to strengthen governance, improve marine spatial planning, enhance data systems, and promote stakeholder coordination for sustainable growth in the sector.
 
Speaking at the session, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Fatima Sugra Tabi’a Mahmood, commended the World Bank delegation led by Marcelo Hector Acerbi and Yolanda Molares for their technical support.
 
She noted that the collaboration had yielded significant progress, particularly in data development and analytical outputs, but stressed the need to move from planning to implementation.
 
“The focus must now shift from analysis to action,” Mahmood said, emphasizing the importance of identifying “bankable projects” capable of attracting funding from development partners.
 
According to her, the next phase of the partnership will prioritize investment mobilisation and the translation of technical outputs into practical, finance-ready initiatives.
 
In her remarks, Molares described the partnership as critical to establishing a robust Blue Data Bank and advancing integrated coastal zone management in Nigeria.
 
She said the initiative would also support the development of “Blue Clusters” across selected states, aimed at unlocking high-value investment opportunities in the maritime sector.
 
“The successful development of these clusters will reveal targeted investment opportunities and pave the way for grants and sustained support from the World Bank,” she said.
 
The engagement also brought together technical consultants working on policy reforms and investment planning, underscoring readiness to implement the proposed cluster model and coastal management strategies.
 
The PROBLUE initiative, a multi-donor trust fund managed by the World Bank, supports the sustainable development of marine and coastal resources. In Nigeria, it is focused on tackling marine pollution, improving fisheries management, and expanding maritime economic opportunities while ensuring environmental sustainability.

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