Nigeria is betting on the blue economy as a new engine of growth, but environmental experts warn that deteriorating coastal ecosystems, weak ocean governance, and climate impacts could undermine those ambitions. Ahead of the 11th Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, DARE AKOGUN explores the environmental realities facing Nigeria’s coastline and what the country must do to transform ocean wealth into sustainable prosperity
As world leaders, policymakers, scientists, and environmental advocates prepare to gather in Mombasa, Kenya, for the 11th Our Ocean Conference, Nigeria is coming under increasing pressure to align its growing blue-economy ambitions with the realities facing millions of people living along its fragile coastline.
The conference, scheduled for June 16 to 18, 2026, will be the first edition of the global ocean summit hosted on African soil. Under the theme, “Our Ocean, Our Heritage, Our Future,” the gathering is expected to focus on marine conservation, climate resilience, sustainable fisheries, maritime security, ocean pollution, and the future of the global blue economy.
For Nigeria, however, the discussions expected in Mombasa extend far beyond diplomatic commitments and international declarations.
