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Maritime expert, Captain Paul Mandela Ogoun has said Bayelsa State is spearheading Nigeria’s maritime transformation with bold initiatives aimed at harnessing its vast marine resources.
Ogoun who spoke with newsmen recently on the sidelines of the state’s ambitious maritime approach noted that as the first state to establish a dedicated Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Bayelsa was setting the pace for structured development in the sector.
He described the State’s groundbreaking Marine and Blue Economy policy as a landmark achievement.
According to him, already there is a comprehensive 40-page document which was developed through extensive consultation with over 20 experts from academia, maritime law, and key federal agencies.
He said: “This policy is a bold statement of intent. While the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is yet to finalize such a framework, Bayelsa has taken the lead in defining its maritime future.
“The document envisions Bayelsa as Nigeria’s leading maritime state while balancing its initiatives with federal maritime regulations. Major highlight of the policy is the focus on training the next generation of Maritime Professionals for human capital development”.
He stated that Bayelsa plans to train at least 100 seafarers, 100 welders, and 100 divers annually over the next decade, saying the training programmes will not only cover basic maritime skills but will also include specialized courses in autonomous ships and marine renewable energy.
He added: “Partnerships with renowned maritime training institutions—both local and international—will ensure that Bayelsa produces globally competitive maritime professionals.
“The goal is to equip our people with the skills required in modern maritime operations, reducing dependence on foreign expertise”.
He also revealed that another major aspect of the policy was the ‘Fish Cities Project’ which he described as game-changer for the local fishermen.
He explained that Governor Douye Diri’s Fish Cities Project is another transformative initiative aimed at transitioning the state’s fishing industry from subsistence-level operations to commercial ventures.
According to him, the Fish Cities project is designed to provide modern processing facilities, cold storage units, and direct market access for fishermen.
He however said, the fish cities initiative would require substantial infrastructural investment, including stable power supply, water treatment facilities, and environmental safeguards.
The expert added that successful implementation of the initiative will depend on community involvement and training, noting that traditional fishermen will need to be equipped with new competencies to integrate seamlessly into commercial fishing operations.
He hinted that to enhance Maritime Security, the State’s maritime expansion policy comes with security concerns, and that the state is addressing these challenges through the establishment of a Marine Safety Task Force which is designed to tackle sea robbery, waterway offenses, and environmental protection.
He said: “To curb maritime challenges, the state has also decided to integrate modern surveillance technology and collaboration with the Nigerian Navy and Marine Police to enhance security across the State’s waterways.
“Infrastructure development and manpower training for a local coast guard will be critical.
“The State also need quick-response centers along key waterways and vessel-tracking technology to monitor maritime activities effectively”.
Speaking on the Agge Deep Seaport, Ogoun described it as ‘Strategic Investment’, noting that the new Seaport is another pillar of the State’s maritime blueprint as it serves as a potential economic game-changer.
He said: “The port’s success will hinge on complementary infrastructure, including road and railway links to industrial hubs. High private-sector investment through public-private partnerships would be essential to fund the project’s execution.
“Stakeholder engagement will also be crucial to address environmental concerns and ensure that local communities benefit from this project.
On the State’s prospects on balancing Economic Growth with Environmental Sustainability, he added that while the State’s maritime expansion is promising, there was need for environmental conservation.
He stressed that the state’s rich marine ecosystem, including its vast mangrove forests must be protected, saying environmental sustainability measures, including waste management policies and renewable energy integration, should be incorporated into maritime operations.
The expert emphasized that proper marine spatial planning will ensure that economic development does not come at the cost of ecological destruction, noting also that Bayelsa’s role in Maritime and Blue Economy initiatives would serve as a test case for the nation’s blue economy potential.
“The establishment of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry is a major step forward. “However, long-term success will depend on infrastructure development, federal-state collaboration, and community engagement.”
“I call for evidence-based decision-making and pragmatic policy implementation to ensure that Bayelsa’s maritime ambitions translate into sustainable economic growth.
“Bayelsa’s journey will shape Nigeria’s national discourse on marine economy development. If properly managed, this could become a model for other coastal states looking to harness their maritime potential”, Capt. Ogoun said.
