The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, has said that the sustainability and resilience of Nigeria’s Blue Economy depend on science-driven resource management, strong policy frameworks, modern technology and active community participation.
Dr. Akutah, represented by the Director of Human Resources Management, Mr. Mustapha Zubairu, made this known at the 8th National Tourism Transportation Summit and Expo held in Abuja.
The summit, themed “Tourism and Transportation Connectivity: Accelerating the Synergy for National Socio-Economic Growth and Development”, brought stakeholders together to deepen collaboration between the tourism and transport sectors.
Presenting a paper titled “Sustainable Management of Marine Resources for Blue Economy Growth”, the NSC Chief Executive warned that Nigeria’s marine assets face mounting threats, including unsustainable resource extraction, pollution, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, climate-change impacts and weak governance systems.
He stressed that these challenges undermine the oceans’ long-term economic potential, reduce productivity, endanger biodiversity and jeopardize livelihoods that depend on marine ecosystems.
Dr. Akutah explained that with coordinated investment, modern technologies and strengthened institutions, Nigeria and the wider African continent could unlock billions of dollars annually, generate millions of jobs and restore ecological balance.
He described sustainable marine management as a foundational pillar for driving economic resilience, boosting productivity and safeguarding the future of coastal communities.
Others in attendance included Mr. Ibrahim M. Karmashe, Deputy Director, Regulatory Services Department; Mrs. Austina Ogbonnaya, Deputy Director, Special Duties Department; and Mrs. Ogochukwu Uchenabo, Assistant Director (ICT), ALO.
