Nigeria is under pressure to match its blue economy aspirations with the realities of coastal communities, as the 11th Our Ocean Conference begins on June 16 and runs through June 18, 2026 in Mombasa, Kenya.
The conference focuses on marine conservation and sustainable fishing, pushing Nigeria to address environmental degradation, climate change, and coastal livelihoods, notably in Lagos and Bayelsa.
With the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023, Nigeria seeks economic growth through maritime investments. However, experts stress the importance of tackling ecological issues like rising sea levels and coastal erosion.
The conference will focus on marine protected areas, climate resilience, and maritime security, aiming to translate global commitments into actionable strategies.
The outcome will test Nigeria’s ability to implement effective environmental policies, impacting local communities facing these challenges.