Nigeria is set to take a major step toward unlocking the vast economic potential of its marine and coastal resources as preparations intensify for the 1st International Marine and Blue Economy Conference and Exhibition (IMABEC 2025), scheduled to hold from November 18 to 20, 2025, in Bayelsa State.
This was revealed during a press briefing held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, Yenagoa, by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) on behalf of the Institute of Maritime Studies, Niger Delta University (NDU).
Delivering the statement, Engr. Capt. Charles A. N. Johnson, PhD, said the historic event marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s commitment to harnessing the opportunities within its marine and coastal environment for sustainable development and economic growth.
He explained that the Blue Economy represents the sustainable use of ocean and inland water resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and environmental protection — encompassing sectors such as shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, renewable energy, and marine biotechnology.
According to Johnson, IMABEC 2025 is designed as a strategic multi-stakeholder platform to foster innovation, policy dialogue, and investment in the Blue Economy sector. The conference, he said, is being organized in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and other major agencies including NIMASA, NPA, NDDC, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, and NIWA.
The three-day event will feature high-level plenaries, exhibitions, technical discussions, and capacity-building workshops, bringing together policymakers, researchers, investors, and young innovators to discuss strategies for sustainable marine resource utilization.
Highlighting the objectives, Johnson noted that IMABEC 2025 aims to promote investment in marine-based industries, encourage youth empowerment, showcase maritime research and technology, and foster institutional collaboration for a resilient and inclusive Blue Economy in Nigeria and West Africa.
The conference is expected to attract dignitaries including the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Governor of Bayelsa State, and heads of key maritime agencies, alongside industry leaders, academia, and representatives of coastal communities.
For Bayelsa State, the event promises immense benefits — from positioning the state as a strategic hub for Blue Economy development to attracting investments in aquaculture, tourism, and maritime infrastructure.
The conference will conclude with a communiqué outlining a national action plan to advance Nigeria’s Blue Economy. “IMABEC 2025 is more than a conference; it is a national awakening to the immense opportunities that lie within our waters,” Johnson said, urging the media to help amplify the message for a prosperous and sustainablemaritime future.
