Nimena, Emr, Set to Partner On Blue Economy

A resource person on Marine and Blue Economy in Nigeria, Dr. Babalola Olatunde, has described the partnership between two major stakeholders in the Marine and Blue Economy in Nigeria as a timely development capable of taking the sector forward.

Dr Olatunde was referring to the deepening of partnership between the Energy and Maritime Reporters (EMR) and the Nigeria Institution of Marine and Naval Architects (NIMENA) which manifested more on Friday, November 28, 2025, when NIMENA mounted its 2025 annual conference in Port Harcourt.

Dr. Olatunde, who is also the Secretary of Shippers Association, Rivers/Bayelsa chapter, said at the 14th edition of NIMENA Conference that the conference is an eye opener as youths and industry players including the academia came together under one roof to share ideas and seek collaboration. This, he said, is to proffer solutions to the challenges existing or anticipated in the course of full implementation of the marine and blue economy businesses in Nigeria.

“The gaps in the sector have been identified for participants to work out solutions as way forward to having a sustainable future of the blue economy and our marine resources in Nigeria.”

“The role of the media, therefore, would be to convey these learnings and information to the general public, particularly the host communities in the coastal areas and states. These host communities need to be carried alongside policy drafting and implementation for sake of compliance and sustainability.”

“This can be achieved through the use of all available channels of communication hinged on cyberspace for ease of access by all and sundry.”

He maintained that the full representation of the EMR led by a veteran Journalist who is also the regional editor of a prominent national newspaper added colour and demonstrated the robust partnership that now exists in the maritime industry, all for good. 

The immediate past national chairman of NIMENA, Dr. Daniel Tamunodukobipi, who is credited with starting the NIMENA/EMR partnership years ago, also commended the EMR delegation for full participation in the 2025 edition. 

He said the theme; ‘Digital Maritime Transformation and Smart Solutions: A Pathway to the Advancement of Nigeria’s 

Blue Economy,” serves as a premier platform that brings together stakeholders, industry experts, policymakers, and academics to foster collaboration, promote innovation, and advance Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sectors. 

According to him, the founding fathers of NIMENA advocated for support and encouragement for the existing foundation laid in order to assist Seafarers and anyone trained in line with watch keeping on board vessels to secure sea time experiences and possible employment at the end of such practical exposure and skills acquired on board.

Thus, he went on, it is paramount for the Niger Delta states to come together to promote Marine and Blue economy businesses and activities so as to attract all needed interest from willing investors.

Speakers at the Conference harped on investments in the Marine and Blue economy sector as it wouldn’t only generate revenue for government at all levels but would also create the needed employment opportunities that could raise the standard of living and make life more meaningful to citizens. He also said governments at all levels would take their shares of the revenue for better environmental and resources management that could lead to a sustainable future in Nigeria.