Stakeholders Set For Niger Delta Blue Economy Summit 

Stakeholders across Nigeria’s blue economy sector are set to gather in Akwa Ibom State for the landmark Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit, scheduled to hold from February 9 to 11, 2026, at the Four Points by Sheraton, Ikot Ekpene.

The summit, themed “Harnessing Blue Economy Potentials for Sustainable Development in the Niger Delta – Setting the Agenda for Shared Prosperity, Sustainability and Resilience,” aims to reposition the region as a major driver of Africa’s emerging blue economy.

Former Prime Minister of Tunisia, Mehdi Jomaa, will deliver the keynote address. Other eminent speakers include Paul Holthus, Founding President, World Ocean Council; Rear Admiral Lambert (rtd), former National Hydrographer; Ian McFadzen of the Ocean Conservation Trust; and Professor Pierre Failler of the Centre for Blue Governance, University of Portsmouth, UK.

Key Ministries, including the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Ministry of Regional Development, are also expected to participate.

Development partners, regional agencies, and private-sector institutions have similarly indicated readiness to attend.

Co-convener of the summit and blue economy advocate, Dr. Uche Igwe, said the event is long overdue.
According to him, the summit will serve as “a premier platform for promoting the sustainable use of the Niger Delta’s enormous maritime resources to drive economic growth, environmental remediation, job creation and improved livelihoods.”

He added that the Niger Delta must move beyond being perceived as a “poster child of the paradox of plenty.”

Senior lawyer and blue economy consultant, Kingdom Blessing, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as the foundation upon which the summit will build.

He noted that the gathering will help shape a coherent roadmap that ensures the region’s blue economy “translates into tangible benefits for the people.”

Lead organiser and co-founder of NLA International, Jonathan Turner, said the summit is designed to be inclusive, bringing together policymakers, private-sector players, civil society, and local communities.
“Our goal is to create a productive, impactful, and people-centred dialogue,” he said.

Organisers say the summit will address gaps by uniting key actors behind a shared regional strategy.

Chairman of the Summit Advisory Committee and retired Rear Admiral Emmanuel Ofik expressed confidence that the event could catalyse transformation.

He noted that his hometown, Ikuru in Andoni LGA of Rivers State, hosts “one of the most beautiful beaches in West Africa,” with the potential to attract thousands of tourists annually if properly developed.

“This is the time to collectively reposition our region beyond oil,” he said.

Summit Director of Africa Partnerships, Tshego Motsoenyane, added that special sessions will draw lessons from countries with strong blue economy practices, including South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia and Mauritius.

One of the major highlights will be the launch of the Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Fund, designed to attract large-scale investments into the region.