Tinubu unveils new security, economic strategy, orders action on blue economy report

By Kunle Sanni –

President Bola Tinubu has introduced a fresh national strategy targeting both security reform and economic expansion through Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector.

The President issued the directive on Wednesday during a Presidential Parley with participants of the Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He was represented at the event by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Under the new blueprint, the President ordered all relevant ministries, departments, and agencies to immediately review and begin implementing recommendations contained in NIPSS’s comprehensive study on blue economy development. The report outlines actions needed to unlock Nigeria’s marine potential and boost economic diversification.

Tinubu described the blue economy as one of Nigeria’s most promising frontiers for sustainable growth, noting that the country’s extensive coastline, inland waterways, fisheries resources, and strategic position in the Gulf of Guinea present massive opportunities for economic transformation.

He highlighted government priorities such as aquaculture expansion, port reform, maritime corridor upgrades, coastal tourism development, marine biotechnology, and renewable ocean energy, adding that these pathways could significantly broaden the country’s revenue base and create long-term jobs.

Reaffirming his reform efforts, the President cited the creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a strategic step toward modernising ports, strengthening maritime security operations, and providing clarity for private-sector participation. However, he noted that more systemic work must be done to address governance gaps, weak infrastructure, and regulatory inconsistencies.

Tinubu warned that economic progress in the sector cannot advance without addressing persistent security threats. Although piracy incidents have dropped under the Deep Blue Project, he said other crimes—including oil theft, illegal fishing, smuggling, and kidnapping—continue to drain revenue and deter investment.