Diri Urges Coastal States To Drive Nigeria’s Blue Economy

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has called on Nigeria’s coastal states to fully harness their maritime and aquatic resources to drive the growth of the nation’s blue economy and expand economic opportunities.

Hotnews reports that speaking at the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s 2nd Quarter 2026 Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement in Lagos, Governor Diri said coastal states must move from being mere spectators to active stakeholders in developing Nigeria’s vast marine resources.

He outlined key strategies, including establishing dedicated blue economy institutions, enacting supportive legislation, investing in coastal security, developing maritime skills, and strengthening fisheries and aquaculture value chains.

The Governor highlighted Bayelsa’s leadership in the sector, noting that the state became the first in Nigeria to establish a Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2024. He also announced the appointment of a Transaction Adviser for the Agge Deep Seaport project, revealing that work has progressed to the inception report stage.

Governor Diri further disclosed that the Bayelsa State Blue Economy Law is nearing completion and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming the state’s maritime potential into sustainable economic growth through projects such as the Bayelsa Aquaculture Village at Yenegwe.

The event was declared open by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who stressed the importance of collaboration among federal and state governments, the private sector, and development partners in unlocking Nigeria’s blue economy potential.

~ Hot News Reporters
Sunday, 5, June, 2026