A Systematic Review of Blue Economy Initiatives in Nigeria: Implications for Sustainable Development Goals
Abstract
The concept of the Blue Economy has gained increasing global attention as a viable framework for achieving sustainable development through the responsible utilization of ocean and coastal resources. This study presents a systematic review of Blue Economy initiatives in Nigeria, with a focus on assessing their contributions to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Anchored on five core research questions, the review explores the key themes and trends in Blue Economy research in Nigeria, the alignment of ongoing initiatives with relevant SDGs, and the inherent challenges and opportunities for scaling up blue growth strategies. Using a qualitative meta-synthesis approach, the study analyzed 62 peer-reviewed articles, policy documents, and reports from national and international institutions between 2010 and 2024. The findings reveal that while Nigeria exhibits substantial potential in sectors such as maritime transport, fisheries, coastal tourism, and marine biotechnology, institutional fragmentation, poor policy coherence, and inadequate funding have hampered progress. Comparative insights from leading Blue Economy models in Seychelles, Mauritius, and Norway demonstrate the critical role of high-level political commitment, innovative financing (e.g., blue bonds), marine spatial planning, and stakeholder inclusiveness in achieving blue growth. The study concludes that Nigeria’s recent establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy offers a unique opportunity to coordinate marine resource governance and align ocean-based sectors with SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), 8 (Decent Work), 13 (Climate Action), and 14 (Life Below Water). The paper recommends the formulation of a national Blue Economy strategy, investment in ocean data systems, promotion of gender-inclusive coastal development, and mobilization of innovative blue finance mechanisms. These interventions are crucial for positioning Nigeria's marine sector as a driver of socioeconomic transformation and environmental sustainability.