Niger Delta Blue Economy Summit Aims to Attract $600 Million in Investment

The second edition of the Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit is scheduled to take place from March 18 to 20, 2027, at Movela Hotels, Warri, Delta State. The summit aims to transform the Niger Delta's blue economy potential into viable investment opportunities. Co-convener of the summit, Dr. Uche Igwe, disclosed that the annual event would bring together key decision-makers and operators from the government, private sector, academia, civil society, traditional institutions, and community groups.

The maiden edition of the summit, held in February 2026, recorded progress through partnerships and the identification of feasible projects requiring funding and further development. Dr. Igwe stated that since the maiden edition, a lot has been achieved, with partners who understand the region and have identified several feasible projects. The next level is to ensure that such projects are made bankable and the necessary funds required are mobilized.

The second summit will focus on developing investment pipelines and exploring innovative financing mechanisms, including blue bonds, to attract capital into the sector. Dr. Igwe commended the Delta State Government led by the State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, for providing an enabling environment for investment in the sector. He added that with the feedback received so far, more than $600 million of investment capital will enter the blue economy sector through their modest efforts.

Senior Consultant at Gadfly Consulting Limited, Mr. Philemon Oghenedoro Adjekuko, called for stronger collaboration among relevant government agencies and private sector operators to support Nigeria's ambition of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030. He said the blue economy could contribute significantly to the country's economic expansion if stakeholders moved beyond discussions to coordinate action and investment.

Adjekuko expressed optimism about the sector's capacity to drive economic diversification and strengthen the non-oil economy. He had spent the past three months engaging stakeholders as part of a study on blue finance. The blue economy sector is expected to play a crucial role in Nigeria's economic growth, and stakeholders are working together to ensure its success.

The Niger Delta region has vast potential for blue economy development, and the summit aims to harness this potential. The region's rich marine resources, including fisheries, oil and gas, and tourism, provide opportunities for investment and job creation. The summit will provide a platform for stakeholders to discuss and develop strategies for sustainable development.

The summit's focus on innovative financing mechanisms, including blue bonds, is expected to attract new investors to the sector. The use of blue bonds, which are specifically designed to finance ocean-related projects, is becoming increasingly popular globally. The Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit is poised to make a significant impact on Nigeria's economic growth and development.

Key points

• The Niger Delta Blue Economy Investment Summit aims to attract over $600 million in investment capital into Nigeria's blue economy sector by 2027.