Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to leveraging the vast opportunities in the blue economy as a critical pathway to economic diversification, investment growth and sustainable development.
Speaking at the opening of the 2026 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) in Port Harcourt on Thursday, the governor said the maritime sector holds enormous potential to transform not only Rivers State but also Nigeria’s economy if properly harnessed.
Represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, Fubara described the conference theme, “The Gulf of Guinea and Blue Economy: Pathways to Trade, Investment and Security Towards a $1 Trillion Economy,” as timely and strategic, given the growing global focus on ocean-based economic activities.
The governor noted that Rivers State, with its extensive coastline, ports and strategic location in the Niger Delta, stands to benefit significantly from investments in shipping, fisheries, maritime trade, tourism and other blue economy value chains.
According to him, the sector possesses the capacity to generate revenues capable of rivaling and even surpassing earnings from the oil and gas industry if effectively developed and managed.
Fubara said the future prosperity of Rivers State and Nigeria depends on deliberate efforts to unlock the economic potential of marine resources while ensuring their protection from exploitation.
He expressed concern over the activities of foreign fishing trawlers operating in Nigerian waters, alleging that many harvest the nation’s seafood resources without making commensurate contributions to the economy.
The governor, therefore, called for stronger surveillance systems, enhanced maritime security and effective regulatory frameworks to safeguard Nigeria’s coastal assets and marine biodiversity.
“We must wake up and hit the ground running. If we do not capitalize on and utilize our blue economy, other nations will utilize it for us,” he said.
Fubara also stressed that developing the blue economy would create jobs, stimulate private sector investments, boost exports and open new streams of revenue for coastal communities, particularly in Rivers State, which remains one of Nigeria’s major economic hubs.
He thanked NACCIMA for drawing national attention to the enormous opportunities within the maritime sector and said the successful hosting of the conference in Port Harcourt underscored Rivers State’s growing reputation as a safe and investor-friendly destination.
Earlier, NACCIMA National President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, commended the Rivers State Government for hosting the association’s 66th Annual General Conference, describing the gesture as a strong signal of the state’s readiness for business and investment.
He said the partnership between the state government and the organised private sector had helped restore investor confidence and reinforced Rivers State’s position as a key destination for economic growth.
In her welcome address, President of the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Dr. Chinyere Nwoga, described the conference as a historic milestone, noting that it was the first time in the chamber’s 66-year history that it was hosting NACCIMA’s national conference.
She pledged the chamber’s continued commitment to promoting private sector development and advancing initiatives that support sustainable economic growth in Rivers State and across Nigeria.
