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J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manage.
Vol. 28 (1) 129-146 January 2024
Ocean and Coastal Resources Components and their Contributions to Sustainable
Development of Nigeria
*1OSUJI, JN; 2AGBAKWURU, J
*1Department of Transport and Marine Management, Delta State University of Science and Technology Ozoro, Delta State, Nigeria
2Department of Marine Engineering, Federal University of Petroleum Recourses, Effurun, Delta State, Nigeria
*Corresponding Author Email: joshuaosuji@yahoo.com: Tel: +2348037820628
*Co-Author Email: agbakwuru.jasper@fupre.edu.org; Tel: +2348106891639
ABSTRACT: The blue economy, which encompasses the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, has the
potential to revolutionize Nigeria's maritime industry and provide a significant boost to the country's economy. The subject has
been taken seriously in recent time in many parts of the world basically due to the sustainability it implies to the use of ocean in
boosting national and therefore well-being of the people. Hence, the objectives of this paper were to examine ten important blue
economic components and evaluate their contributions to the sustainable development of Nigeria using various secondary data
acquisition. Data obtained reveals that out of the ten (10) blue economic components studied, oil/gas exploration, maritime
transport/shipping and fisheries dominate the blue economic contributions with the oil/gas exploration contributing 90% of the
blue economic value in Nigeria. This work has shown that efforts are required both from the government and private sectors to
pursue the huge opportunities available especially in the non-oil/gas exploration components to sustainably improve the economic
base of the nation and generate huge employment opportunities for the large growing Nigerian population.
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jasem.v28i1.16
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article may be reused without permission provided that the original article is cited.
Cite this paper as: OSUJI, J. N; AGBAKWURU, J. (2024). Ocean and Coastal Resources Components and their
Contributions to Sustainable Development of Nigeria. J. Appl. Sci. Environ. Manage. 28 (1) xxx-xxx
Dates: Received: 10 December 2023; Revised: 11 January 2024; Accepted: 21 January 2024 Published: 30
January 2024
Keywords: Ocean Resources, Coastal Resources, Blue Economy and Sustainable Development
According to the World Bank, the blue economy is the
"sustainable use of ocean resources for economic
growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while
preserving the health of ocean ecosystem (Oyedele
2023). The most important source of human
sustenance is the earth’s water body which makes up
around 70% of the earth's surface, including the ocean,
seas, rivers, streams, and lakes (Allison et al., 2020).
According to Sandifer and Sutton-Grier (2014), the
ocean contributes to global wealth by supplying food,
clean water, jobs, and clean air, regulating climate,
treating waste, supporting biodiversity, and keeping
coastal and marine ecosystems healthy. The ocean
food industry can provide protein for over 3 billion
people and create over 260 million jobs globally Teh
and Sumaila (2011). Globally, the maritime
environment's annual worth is $2.5 trillion Hoegh-
Guldberg et al., (2015), with the world economy
dependent on the ocean for a 25% contribution to $94
trillion which by 2023 will further increase by $3
trillion from enhanced conservation of important
marine ecosystems (Brito 2021). The conservation of
the ocean for the sustainability of the world economy
gave way to the blue economy. Quirici (2023), refers
to the blue economy as the effective and sustainable
use of ocean resources as well as activities pertaining
to the sustainable use of seas, oceans, and coastlines.
The Gulf of Guinea, one of Sub-Saharan Africa's most
economically vibrant nations, has several obstacles in
its transition to the blue economy, which is essential
for the continent's sustainable growth. Nigeria as one
of the countries in the Gulf of Guinea has
approximately an ocean space of 290 square
kilometers which is one-third of Nigeria's land area
(924 square kilometers) Agha (2023b). The activities
pertaining to the sustainable use of the ocean, sea, and
Ocean and Coastal Resources Components and their Contributions….. 136
OSUJI, J. N; AGBAKWURU, J.
coastal water can be grouped into Maritime transport
and shipping, Cruise tourism, Fisheries and offshore
aquaculture, Renewable energy, Oil and gas
exploration, Mineral resources, Recreation and
sporting, Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, Coastal
protection and infrastructure, Ocean governance and
management. These activities are referred to in this
paper as components of the blue economy. The ten
(10) components of the blue economy are briefly
described: a). Maritime transport, shipping, and trade:
Maritime transport involves the process whereby ships
and vessels are used to move goods and people around
the world. b). Cruise tourism: Tourism on the ocean is
a big business. The revenue is such that small Island
of developing countries can host more 41 million
visitors per year, generating millions of dollars
annually in revenue. c). Fisheries, offshore
aquaculture and seafood processing: Fisheries and
offshore Aquaculture include the sustainable
harvesting of marine resources such as fish, shellfish,
and other aquatic organisms, as well as the cultivation
of fish in controlled environments. At least 50% of fish
for human consumption is provided by aquaculture.
And of course, the total sales of fish globally are
estimated at USD 406 billion, according to Food and
Agriculture Organization or FAO report of 2020
(https://www.fao.org/newsroom/detail/record-
fisheries-aquaculture-production-contributes-food-
security-290622/en.). d). Renewable energy: Blue
economy also encompasses renewable energy,
meaning the ocean’s energy can be utilized to generate
power, offshore wind, tidal, and wave energy can
generate electricity for companies and individuals. e).
Oil and gas exploration: Beneath the seabed are oil and
natural gas resources. f). Mineral resources:
Polymetallic nodules and minerals found in
hydrothermal vents can be explored as mineral
resources. g). Recreation and sporting: There are more
than 10 recreational and sporting activities such as
sailing, wind-surfing, diving, rowing, surfing, wake-
boarding, canoeing, skim-boarding, underwater
hockey etc. h). Biotechnology and pharmaceuticals:
Research in science and technology has advanced such
that marine organisms are identified and extracted and
used for applications in the production of
pharmaceutical products. i). Coastal protection and
infrastructure: Developing and maintaining structures
that protect coastlines from erosion and storms, as well
as building ports, harbors, and other coastal
infrastructure. j). Ocean governance, waste
management and pollution control. This is where the
sustainability of the ocean comes in. Policies are
important to drive the safe use of the Ocean ecosystem
without damaging the ocean and society.
The aim of the paper is to quantify the present
contribution of each of the ten components of blue
economic activities to Nigeria's economy considering
the enormous ocean space in Nigeria. In discussing
related literatures to the paper’s objectives, Mmom
and Chukwu-Okeah (2011), concentrated on the
potential of Nigeria's blue economy and related
activities, with a focus on the country's oil and gas
industry in particular putting into consideration
Nigeria's oil and gas potentials in relation to the blue
economy. Ebeh (2017), investigated the possibilities
of marine biotechnology in addressing societal issues
and promoting economic expansion and recovery in an
increasingly significant way. Increasing the interest in
sustainable practices, technological innovation,
renewable energy, circular economy concepts,
sustainable tourism, and blue finance, the future of the
blue economy appears bright and certain (Marwan
2023). Akomolafe et al., (2022), identified resources,
challenges preventing deployment, proffered efficient
ways of implementing and prospects of blue economy
in coastal state of Ondo state. Alubeze and Samuel
(2018), analysed that Nigeria’s dry bulk and general
cargo demand for transport (shipping tonnages) along
Nigeria’s trading regions/routes is positive. This
shows that the Nigerian Maritime and shipping
industry is economically viable. Jacob and Umoh
(2022), proposed regional involvement in the
economic transition of the Niger Delta area from oil
hub to growth and expansion of the blue economy for
regional prosperity and sustenance. Popoola and
Olajuyigbe (2023), identified poor institutional
framework, unsustainable anthropogenic activities,
climate change, piracy, urbanization, and population
growth as challenges militating the blue economy
transition in the Gulf of Guinea. Gbadegesin and
Akintola (2021), argues that given Nigeria's current
legal framework on the protection of the marine
environment, it is possible to derive sustainable profit
from ocean-based businesses in the nation. In order to
meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and
achieve decent, sustainable, and equitable economic
growth, it is imperative that Nigeria diversify its
economy away from oil and its coastal, marine, and
maritime sectors to a sustainable economy (Elisha
2019). Giwa (2018), advocated for the inclusion of
public private partnership in blue economy through
executive order or policy. The existing literatures have
not documented the contributions of each of the ten
(10) key components of blue economy to the Nigeria
economy to enable a base knowledge and the need to
improve. Hence, the objective of this paper was to
examine ten important blue economic components and
evaluate their contributions to the sustainable
development of Nigeria.
Ocean and Coastal Resources Components and their Contributions….. 137
OSUJI, J. N; AGBAKWURU, J.
MATERIALS AND METHOD
The materials are secondary data acquired from the
Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency
(NIMASA), MARPOL convention compliance review
records and publications, and Nigerian Port Authority
(NPA), other data sources include published (Journals,
Newspapers e.t.c.)
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
This work presents 10 components of blue economy
that can be developed and utilized, not only to generate
revenue for government but to reduce unemployment
rate through job creation. They include: Maritime
Transport and Shipping: Maritime transport and
shipping involve the process whereby ships and
vessels are used to move goods and people in and
around the world The global economy revolves around
the shipping industry, with a total value of US$14
trillion in 2019 according to (International Chambers
of Shipping 2020). The origin of maritime trade
particularly in Nigeria which has a coastline of around
850km may be traced from the middle of the 1800s
until her independence in 1960 with the arrival of
colonial control on the African West coast (Osadume
and Uzoma 2020). Table 1.0 shows that maritime and
shipping operations’ component of blue economy
generated a total of N1,873,173,000,000.00 and
remitted N277,227,000,000.00 into the Federation
account with a total of 27,301 vessels received at
various ports in Nigeria.
Table 1: NPA Generated Revenue, Remittances and Operations (2015 – 2022)
S/N
Year
Total Revenue
Generated
Amount Remitted
to the (CRF)
Vessel
Traffic
Gross Registered
Tonnage (GRT)
Cargo
Throughput
Container
Traffic
1.
2015
180,050,000,000.00
18,043,000,000.00
4,254
104,446,052
77,387,638
1,567,898
2.
2016
162,020,000,000.00
23,087,000,000.00
3,897
101,685,820
70,365,036
810,000
3.
2017
299,056,000,000.00
30,031,000,000.00
3,878
95,190,097
71,535,636
1,289,576
4.
2018
282,042,000,000.00
33,000,000,000.00
3,859
126,683,956
74,677,507
1,000,976
5.
2019
300,000,000,000.00
31,000,000,000.00
3,259
108,923,118
81,264,169
1,032,253
6.
2020
317,000,000,000.00
80,000,000,000.00
4,054
127,923,118
80,826,672
1,073,807
7.
2021
333,005,000,000.00
62,066,000,000.00
4,100
127,562,514
79,915,877
2,029,823
Total
1,873,173,000,000.00
277,227,000,000.00
27,301
792,414,675
535,972,535
8,804,333
Source: Table by authors adopted from (https://www.ceicdata.com/en/indicator/nigeria/container-port-throughput);
(https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/10/23/how-npa-generated-n1-02trn-revenue); (Agha Eugene
2023a);(https://nigerianports.gov.ng/ports-statistics/)
The generated revenue from NPA have the possiblilty
of increasing with the coming onstream of the Lekki
deep seaport. Furthermore minimizing vessel turn-
around- time from 5.16 days to 2 days will certainly
see the maritime and shipping component of the blue
economy leading in the revenue generation for
Nigeria economic growth.
Note that this excludes the inter- and intra state
transport system in Nigeria that has largely created
huge employement for the local Nigerian populace
especially the riverine communities of Bayelsa, Delta,
Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Cross-River and vasts of other
states. Cruise Tourism:Nigeria as a coastal state in
West Africa, is endowed with an abundance of varied
water resources, encompassing both freshwater and
marine environments Oladele et al., (2018), with
approximately 708 km of 853 km long coastline
stretching from 16 to 90 km inland are made up of
mangrove swamp forest and coastal vegetation (Isebor
& Awosika 1993). cited by (Osuji and Agbakwuru
2022). The Nigeria coastal regions is a composition of
tidal channels, beach ridges, sandbars, lagoons,
marshes, and freshwater and mangrove swamps (Osuji
and Agbakwuru 2022). Figure 1 identifies Coastal
tourism potential in Nigeria. The Niger Delta coastal
line, the Coastal line of Lagos and Ondo states are the
most potential for coastal and tourism components that
can contribute immensely to Nigeria economy if
properly harnessed. Also, the inland coastal waters in
the Niger Delta are not left out as they are capable to
boast the economy when properly harnessed. Oladele
et al., (2018), highlighted that Nigeria coastal tourism
potentials are underutilized notwithstanding that
beaches in Lagos state are presently in use and open to
tourists. However, the Niger delta area with much
tourism potentials are yet to be tapped and opened to
tourist in contribution to blue economy. The States
within the Niger Delta coastline identified as potential
contributors to tourism components of blue economy
that have the capacity for Nigeria economic growth
are:
1. Akwa Ibom State: Ibeno Beach, Iko Beach in
Eastern Obolo (Cashew Beach)
2. Bayelsa State: Okpoama Beach, Twon-Brass Beach,
Olodiama Beach, Koluama Beach, Sangana Beach,
Odi Beach, Kaiama Beach, Nembe Beach and the
evergreen expanse of mangrove creeks
3. Cross River State: Coconut Beaches
4. Delta State: Asaba beach, Eku Beach, Otuogo
beach, Abraka beach and Ogulagha beach.
5. Edo State: Aghenebode Sand beach
6. Rivers State: Ikofo beach, Yowiks beach and Port
Harcourt beach.
Ocean and Coastal Resources Components and their Contributions….. 138
OSUJI, J. N; AGBAKWURU, J.
Fig 1: Map of Nigeria showing various coastal and marine tourism destinations
Source: Adopted from (Oladele et al., 2018)
A boat cruise-site seeing of oil production facilities
along the coastline of Niger Delta is another area of
tourism potential. Apart from revenue generation, the
coastline tourism in Nigeria has the potentials of
stimulating recreational and educational values,
developing infrastructures, creating jobs, preserving
and sustaining our rich cultural heritage and diversity,
coastal and marine tourism environment conservation.
Unfortunately, it is sad to report that there is no
documented evidence of contribution of this
component of blue economy into the country’s
economic growth.
Fisheries and Offshore Aquaculture: Nigeria is one of
the developing nations, where fishing industry
continues to be a key source of foreign exchange and
the primary source of sustenance for millions of
people, with over 1,477,651 persons exploring the
fishing industry (Odioko and Becer 2022). The
primary source of protein in Nigeria is fish. With
Nigeria's enormous coastline and inland water and
domestic fish output estimated at around 800,000
metric tonnes per annum, fish shortage is still
experienced (Akinsorotan 2019). Generally speaking,
despite the fishing industry’s significance,
governments and policy-makers in developing nations
do not give the fisheries sector the attention it deserves
(Odioko and Becer 2022). Presently, Nigeria's fish
production industry is yet to meet up the expected
demand based on the projected fish demand and
supply analysis in Table 2. As shown in Table 2 the
percentage fish deficit is directly proportional to the
increase in population. The deficit could be overturned
through the application of offshore aquaculture
considering the enormous coastline in Nigeria. Fishery
contributed 2,978.6 (trillion) to the GDP between 2015
– 2022. Apart from 2016 drop in GDP contribution,
fishery have contribution to GDP have increased
geometrically each year as shown in Figure 2.
Ocean and Coastal Resources Components and their Contributions….. 139
OSUJI, J. N; AGBAKWURU, J.
Table 2: Projected population and fish demand/supply from 2000 to 2025 in Nigeria.
Year
Projected
Population
(million)
Projected
Fish Demand
(mt)
Projected
Domestic
Production (mt)
Projected Fish
Importation
(mt)
Projected Total Fish
Consumption (mt)
% Fish
Supply Gap
Deficit
2010
158,503,200
3,020,000
817,520
1,330,690
2,147,910
28.88
2011
162,805,080
3,110,000
856,610
1,589,400
2,423,600
22.07
2012
167,228,790
3,211,000
922,650
1,083,210
1,996,590
37.80
2013
171,765,820
3,320,000
1,000,060
868,040
1,804,530
45.65
2014
176,404,930
3,420,000
1,073,060
991.02
2,064,040
39.65
2015
181,137,450
3,280,000
1,027,060
866,980
1,890,980
42.35
2016
185,960,240
3,380,000
1,041,500
593,710
1,635,210
51.62
2017
190,873,240
3,490,000
1,212,470
466,930
1,679,400
51.47
2018
195,874,680
3,610,000
1,169,480
582,390
1,751,870
51.88
2019
201,042,520
3,730,000
1,199,410
484,280
1,683,680
54.86
2020
206,310,940
3,850,000
1,211,780
506,140
1,717,840
55.38
2021
211,705,770
3,970,000
1,264,390
478,720
1,742,840
56.10
2022
217,235,370
4,100,000
1,287,470
484,320
1,771,210
56.80
2023
222,902,500
4,230,000
1,323,190
472,190
1,794,750
57.57
2024
228,713,570
4,370,000
1,355,980
475,560
1,831,100
58.10
2025
234,671,680
4,510,000
1,399,840
472,530
1,872,110
58.49
Source: Adopted from (Odioko and Becer 2022).
Figure 2: Fishery Contribution to Nigeria's GDP from 2015 – 2022
Source: Chat by authors adopted from (https://www.cbn.gov.ng/rates/RealGDP.asp). Central Bank of Nigeria Real Gross Domestic
Product
Offshore aquaculture has the potential to significantly
contribute to Nigeria's Blue Economy by promoting
economic diversification, enhancing food security,
creating jobs, supporting environmental conservation,
and fostering technological innovation. However, it
requires careful planning, investment, and regulation
to ensure long-term sustainability and maximize its
positive impact.
Renewable Energy: Ocean energy, a renewable energy
source could potentially meet a substantial portion of
the world's energy needs (Thresher and Musial 2010).
Presently, the production of oil and gas from the
continental shelf of West Africa is the only use of the
ocean as an energy source (Thresher and Musial
2010). Ocean energy when compared to sustainable
energy sources like biomass, solar, wind, etc.,
provides several advantages with fewer negative
effects on the environment than other renewable
sources as it is easily accessible, abundant in nature,
and forecastable (Thresher and Musial 2010). Sitoe et
al., (2023), conclude in their findings that salt gradient
power and small tidal power plants are the most
suitable ocean energy sources best suitable for coastal
development. Nigeria a developing country has a low
average annual electricity use of 145 kWh despite
having a high GDP per capita of US$ 3,099.00 (Sitoe
et al., 2023). Potential sources of ocean renewable
energies are ocean wave, Ocean thermal energy
conversion (OTEC), Salinity gradient, Marine currents
and Tidal energy.
Agbakwuru and Akaawase (2017), evaluated wind
energy potential in the vast Nigerian onshore and
offshore with respect to power and annual energy
output and capacity factor for most common existing
state-of-the-art industry turbines and finally submitted
that combining wind power, deepwater wind power
with ocean current energy technology will give an
outstanding output. Agbakwuru and Arome (2023),
presented a hybrid system that harvests electricity
from both solar and underwater currents.
Commercialization of these ocean renewable energies
will further increase the electricity generation output
in Nigeria and also help in developing Nigeria's
358.7 356.13 360.91 366.83 379.6 380.3 384.45 386.24
Year 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022
2010
2012
2014
2016
2018
2020
2022
2024
Year
Amount Contributed to GDP (Billion Naria)
Ocean and Coastal Resources Components and their Contributions….. 140
OSUJI, J. N; AGBAKWURU, J.
coastal communities thereby leading to
industrialization of the Nigeria coastal communities.
However, the Ocean renewable energy component of
the blue economy is yet to contribute to Nigeria's GDP
because no investments have been made to tap into
that, which will in turn generate electricity for the
general development of our country Nigeria.
Oil and gas Exploration: According to estimates,
Nigeria emerged as the top-ranked nation with the
greatest remaining deepwater oil reserves, possessing
an estimated 5,038 million barrels of economically
recoverable oil in 2018 (https://www.offshore-
technology.com/marketdata/oil-gas-field-profile).
The first offshore petroleum discovery in Nigeria was
on the Okan structure in Bendel State, which is now
Delta State by the Gulf in 1964 (Abasi-Udosen et al.,
2006). African oil firms began looking into offshore
production as a potential alternative source of income
in 2005 as a result of less vulnerability to civil and
militia conflicts being experienced in most oil-
producing countries at onshore operations
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleum_industry_in
_Nigeria), though heaven for illegal crude oil trade and
bunkering (Smith and Simon 2014). Nigerian offshore
oil production was predicted to produce 1.27 million
barrels of oil per day (202,000 m3/d) in 2010
compared to 15,000 barrels per day (2,400 m3/d) in
2003 (McLennan and Williams 2005). In 2005,
250,000 barrels (40,000 m3) of oil were produced
daily at the Agbami oilfields as it reached full capacity.
Nigerian deepwater offshore sector has the ability to
develop and expand like Akpo, Bonga, and Erha
(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petroleum_industry_in
_Nigeria).
Table 3: Offshore Oil fields with both crude and gas production capacity in Nigeria.
S/N
Field
Operators
Crude
Production(bpd)
Gas
production
1
Agbami
Chevron Nigeria
250,000
450 mcf/D
2
Akpo
Total Upstream Nigeria
175,000
320 Mscf/D
3
Amenam
Elf Petroleum Nigeria
125,000
15 mmt/d
4
Bonga
Shell
200,000
150 mscf/D
5
Abana
Moni Pulo Petroleum
10,000
6
Erha
EEPNL
140,000
-
7
Usan
Total E&P Nigeria
27,100
-
8
Sonam
Chevron Nig
-
215mcf
Source: Table by authors adopted from (Smith and Simon 2014).
Figure 3: Crude Petroleum and Natural Gas Contribution to Nigeria's GDP from 2015 – 2022
Source: Chat by authors adopted from (https://www.cbn.gov.ng/rates/RealGDP.asp) Central Bank of Nigeria Real Gross Domestic Product
Agbami in Table 3 has the highest daily production
capacity followed by Bonga, Akpo, Erha, and
Amenam while Abana and Usan have the least daily
production capacity for crude. However, the combined
capacity of Abana and Usan oil fields is higher than
Anambra, Imo, and Abia state daily crude production
capacity. The crude and natural gas production
contribution to Nigerian economy is dropping owing
to a likely diversification of the economy from mono
to multiple economy as shown in Figure 3. However,
oil theft may not be left out as seen in recent
discoveries. Community unrest and frequent
disruptions of production by host communities could
also contribute to the drop. During the Q4 of 2015 and
2019 the contribution of crude oil and natural gas was
high. It could be as a result of Nigeria meeting up with
the OPEC production quota. Deep sea crude oil and
natural gas production which is one of the components
Ocean and Coastal Resources Components and their Contributions….. 141
OSUJI, J. N; AGBAKWURU, J.
of the blue economy contributes immensely to GDP as
it is a major source of foreign exchange in Nigeria.
Nigeria's official oil corporation predicted that by
2022, "two-thirds of the nation's production will stem
from deep-water deposits" as offshore production is
expected to surpass onshore production (Bala-Gbogbo
2018).
Mineral Resources: According to Sakellariadou et al.,
(2022), rare earth elements (REEs) and other rare
metals, which are essential for adopting clean
technologies, are required due to the anticipated
expansion of the worldwide economy and the
predicted rise in global population. The next frontier
for mineral exploration and extraction is thought to be
seafloor resources because land-based mineral
deposits are being depleted and the growing demand
for essential metals (Sakellariadou et al., 2022). Deep-
sea mineral deposits such as polymetallic sulphides,
polymetallic nodules, cobalt-rich crusts, phosphorites,
and rare earth element-rich muds are among most
marine mineral deposits that have a significant
resource potential for transition, rare, and critical
metals (Sakellariadou et al., 2022).
In Nigeria, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and
Safety Agency (NIMASA) DG requested support
from the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) to
create a database of mineral resources that are
accessible to all people and to conduct a deep-sea
survey in order to increase capacity (Sulaimon Salau
2017). ISBA currently have exploration in the
following areas:
a. Polymetalic Nodules Exploration Areas in the
Clarion-Clipperton Fracture Zone
b. Polymetalic Nodules and Polymetallic Sulphides
exploration areas in the Indian zone
c. Polymetallic Sulphides exploration areas in the
Mid- Atlantic Ridge.
Nigeria seabed is blessed with the following minerals
according to
(https://www.statista.com/statistics/1276924/contribu
tion-of-travel-and-tourism-to-gdp-in-nigeria/),
Titanum, Colbalt, Mikel, Iron, Copper, Zinc,
Molybdenum, Stronitium and Lead with a possibility
of Gold, Silver and Ferromagnesium. Presently, no
seabed mineral mining has started in Nigeria Ocean
and there is no contribution so far by mineral resources
to the Nigerian economy. Hence, “there is the need to
establish a Seabed Authority which would consist of
identified and relevant MDA`s and also recruitment of
candidates with technological and scientific expertise
within the relevant fields in line with the activities of
the Authority and formulation of national legislation
in line with the activities of the Authority” as
suggested by NIMASA. Furthermore, seabed
sensitisation and personnel training are needed to tap
into the abundant mineral resources embedded in the
Nigerian Continental seabed.
Recreation and Sporting: There are more than 10
recreational and sporting activities such as sailing,
windsurfing, diving, rowing, surfing, wakeboarding,
canoeing, skimboarding, underwater hockey etc.
Figure 4: Contribution of travel and tourism to GDP in Nigeria
from 2019 to 2021 (in million U.S. dollars)
Source: adapted from
(https://www.statista.com/statistics/1276924/contribution-of-
travel-and-tourism-to-gdp-in-nigeria/)
However, kayaking sports is an upcoming area of
recreation and sport in Lagos as kayak tour operators
in Lagos with years of experience and relationships
with the natives take tourists around the lagoon at a
cost and the kayaks are comfortable and safe.
Furthermore, the beaches in Lagos are always filled
with sporting activities like beach football, handball,
and other beach sports.
In addition to the recreation aspect, there are canoe
tours in places like Makoko in Lagos. The following
waterfronts in Nigeria are presently potential locations
for recreation and sporting activities and if well
harnessed will generate income for Nigerian
development; Elegushi Beach, Landmark Beach,
Avista Beach, Gberefu Beach, Ibeno Beach, Port
Harcourt Tourist Beach and McCarthy Beach. The
beaches are in Lagos, Delta, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom
States.
Ocean and Coastal Resources Components and their Contributions….. 142
OSUJI, J. N; AGBAKWURU, J.
There was a drop in the contribution of the tourism
industry in 2020 as in Figure 4 because of COVID-19
which kept the world economy at pause. However,
2021 saw an increase in rise which is a show that
tourism and leisure activities have been activated and
it is coming up.
Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals: Around 70% of
our planet's surface is made up of the oceans, which
also include over 99 percent of the biosphere.
Creatures may be found in the oceans representing an
environment with biggest temperature, light, and
pressure fluctuations that life has ever experienced
(Day et al., 2016).
Nigeria is blessed with an abundance of natural
resources to the extent that the country is referred to as
a coastal state. According to Day et al., (2016),
adapting to these challenging conditions, there is a
wealth of marine biodiversity and genetic variation,
with biotechnological uses in medication
development, environmental cleanup, enhancing the
supply and safety of seafood, and creating new
resources and industrial processes.
The use and harvesting of living aquatic resources
(seafood, plant marine organisms, and marine
biotechnological products) for the production of
pharmaceutical drugs and products which are for the
sustainability of human life from the ocean is
important and needs to be harnessed.
When these goods are developed and brought to
market, they have the potential to generate significant
amount of revenue for both individuals and the
government which will advance national development
and enhance people's quality of life (Ebeh, 2017).
Globally, the marine biotechnology market is expected
to increase based on a compound annual growth rate
(CAGR) of 8.7% from 2021 to 2026, when it is
expected to reach $7.3 billion
(https://www.industryarc.com/Report/16110/marine-
biotechnology-market.html).
However, Nigeria is yet to tap into this due to the
following reasons by Ebeh (2017):
1. Lack of adequate manpower in the field,
2. Poor infrastructures,
3. State of the art equipment,
4. Research funding from government agencies, and
5. Adequate awareness and policy,
These are some of the challenges facing marine
biotechnology. The government alone should not be
the only party in this, rather the private sector should
be in the lead while the government creates policies
and an enabling environment for marine
biotechnology and pharmaceuticals to strive.
Ocean Governance and Management: Globalization
has given rise to human activity, which has also greatly
increased the threat to ocean global space (Johnson
2023). Ocean noise, pollution from land-based and
ship-based sources, unsustainable and harmful fishing
methods, and illegal and unreported fishing are just a
few of the threats that exist in the maritime
environment while other threats include the mining of
minerals, the production of gas and oil, and collisions
between ships and marine life (Johnson 2023).
According to Johnson (2023), ocean acidification,
heat, and a drop in oxygen levels are all caused by the
maritime environmental threat. Consequently, all of
these have an adverse effect on marine life which gave
way to the need for ocean governance and
management.
Globally, the United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea of 1982 adopted guidelines for all uses of
the oceans and their resources, it establishes a
comprehensive system of law and order in the world's
oceans and seas. Nigeria benefits from UNCLOS,
which went into effect on November 16, 1994. On
December 10, 1982, and August 14, 1986,
respectively, the Federal Republic of Nigeria approved
and signed the convention (DOALOS 2012).
In Nigeria numerous Ministries, Departments and
Agencies (MDAs) oversee ocean governance which
include laws enforcement, policies and regulations
that are pertinent to their respective responsibilities.
The six basic domesticated ocean governance
management in Nigeria as in Table 4 are being handled
and managed by Ministries, Departments, and
Agencies.
They have established laws mandating the agencies to
carry out their function effectively. However, ocean
governance and management are not handled by one
agency alone but by different agencies and ministries.
There might be some bureaucratic bottlenecks but
overcoming them is the most critical aspect of the
execution of delegated functions of the agencies
involved.
Ocean governance's contribution to Nigeria's blue
economy is the provision and conservation of the
needed environment for other components of the blue
economy to function appropriately.
Ocean and Coastal Resources Components and their Contributions….. 143
OSUJI, J. N; AGBAKWURU, J.
Table 4: Nigeria Ocean Governance and Management
S/N
Ocean
Governance
Law
Agencies Involved
Functions
Regulating Laws
1.
Nigeria
Maritime
Jurisdiction
Federal Ministry of Justice
- provision of an executive bill to consolidate
the Maritime Zone laws into a single statute by
seeking an amendment from the National
Assembly to the current Territorial Water Act
and EEZ Act and an enactment into law of an
Act to determine the Maritime Zones of
Nigeria and for Matters Connected Therewith
(Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2009).
- EEZ law
2.
Governance
of Living
Resources
-Federal Ministry of
Agriculture and Rural
Development through the
Federal Department of
Fisheries (FDF) and the
Nigeria Institute of
Oceanography and Marine
Research (NIOMR)
- Engagement in policy formulation and
implementation relating to national, regional
and international initiatives.
- Monitoring, control and surveillance.
- Research activities.
- Sea Fisheries Act no. 71
of 1992
- Sea Fisheries (Licensing)
Regulations, 1992
- Inland Fisheries Act no.
108 of 1992(FAO, 2010)
3.
Governance
of Non-
Living
Resources
and Ocean
Energy
Initiative
-Federal Ministry of
Environment (FMOE)
through National Oil Spill
Detection and Response
Agency (NOSDRA),
- Federal Ministry of
Petroleum Resources
(FMPR) through Nigerian
Upstream Petroleum
Regulatory Commission
(NUPRC)
- Federal Ministry of
Transport (FMT) through
Nigeria Inland Water
Authority (NIWA)
- Federal Ministry of
Mines and Steels
Development (FMMSD)
- Regulations and protection of the
environment as a result of the exploration and
exploitation of oil and gas.
-Implement and enforce compliance with the
National Oil Spill Contingency plan
- Petroleum Industry Act
(PIA) 2021
- International Convention
on Oil Pollution
Preparedness, Response
and Co-operation (OPRC)
1990
4
Marine
Environment
Protection
and Climate
Change
- Federal Ministry of
Environment (FMOE)
- Federal Ministry of
Transport through Nigerian
Metrological Agency
(NIMET)
- Protection and sustainability of the
biodiversity and ecosystem of the coastal and
marine environment
- Mapping of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
- Participate in climate policy matters affecting
the marine environment
- NIMET Act 2003
5
Maritime and
Port
Governance
- Federal Ministry of
Transport (FMOT) through
Nigerian Maritime
Administration and Safety
Agency (NIMASA) and
the Nigerian Port
Authority (NPA)
- Maritime Administration
- Development of national blue economy
policy and strategy to facilitate the sustainable
development of deep seabed resources.
- NIMASA Act 2007
- Merchant Shipping Act
2007
- Coastal and Inland
Shipping (Cabotage) Act
2003
- NPA Act 2004
6
Maritime
Security
- Nigerian Navy (NN)
- Provide security to secure the national
maritime zone
-provision of security against illegal activities
of ships in Nigeria waters
- Constitutional Powers
Source: Table by authors adopted from (Folami 2017)
Coastal Protection and Infrastructure: Global climate
change has become a major concern over time with
regard to coastal zone development (Mmom and
Chukwu-Okeah 2011). The business of coastal and
shore protection system development projects is
crucial to Nigeria given its extensive coastline and
vulnerability to coastal erosion and floods; building
seawalls, revetments, and breakwaters are examples of
the protective measures used by this industry to keep
infrastructure and coastal towns safe and to stop the
loss of valuable coastal land
(https://www.blackridgeresearch.com). Presently, the
Nigerian government is building a 9-kilometer seawall
as a flood and erosion control mechanism along the
coastline through the Eko Atlantic City Project which
will minimally reduce possible natural disasters
coming from the coastal waters
(https://www.blackridgeresearch.com). Nigeria
cannot sustain the coastline infrastructure and
protection without putting policies in place and
Ocean and Coastal Resources Components and their Contributions….. 144
OSUJI, J. N; AGBAKWURU, J.
adequate legislatures. Coastal infrastructure
development is not a cash-driving arm of the blue
economy rather it is the conservative arm of the blue
economy. If our coastal environment is adequately
protected it will help in the sustenance of our marine
environment and maximize output of Nigeria's marine
ecosystem for economic development. The
contributions of each of the ten components are shown
in Table 5.
Table 5: The Contributions of each of the Components of Blue Economy to Nigeria Economy
Source: Table by authors
Note: Nigeria 2022 budget is N10.13 Trillion
Conclusion: The work presented huge opportunities
that exist especially in the non-oil/gas exploration
sectors. It is very necessary that the government and
private sectors pull efforts to stimulate activities in the
non-oil/gas blue economic sectors in order to
sustainably support the Nigerian national economic
growth and stability.
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