Bayelsa Hosts Maiden International Marine & Blue Economy Conference
Yenagoa__ Bayelsa State is set to host the inaugural International Marine and Blue Economy Conference and Exhibitions (IMABEC 2025), a historic event positioned to unlock Nigeria’s vast marine resource potential for sustainable development.
The announcement was made on Tuesday at the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Yenagoa during a press briefing delivered by the IMABEC Local Organising Committee (LOC), on behalf of the Institute of Maritime Studies, Niger Delta University (NDU), Bayelsa State.
The conference is scheduled to hold from November 18th to 20th, 2025, and is a collaborative effort between the Institute of Maritime Studies, NDU, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, and key industry stakeholders.
Blue Economy: The Future of Sustainable Growth
Engr. Capt. Charles Johnson PhD, who signed the statement for the Institute of Maritime Studies, NDU, explained the concept of the Blue Economy as “the sustainable use of ocean, sea, and inland water resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and the preservation of aquatic ecosystems.”
He noted that it covers critical areas such as maritime transport, fisheries, coastal tourism, and offshore renewable energy.
The purpose of IMABEC 2025 is to stimulate national and regional awareness on this potential and promote collaboration among communities, government, academia, and industry.
Key partners include the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).
The event will also feature a high-level plenary session, Technical and policy discussions, Exhibitions showcasing technology and research and Capacity-building workshops and networking opportunities.
The core objectives include promoting investment, encouraging sustainable job creation, showcasing technology, and providing a platform for policy dialogue to achieve a resilient Blue Economy in Nigeria and West Africa.
The conference is expected to draw distinguished guests, including the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Governor of Bayelsa State, and the heads of all collaborating agencies.
Benefits for Bayelsa State are highlighted as immense, projecting the state as a strategic hub for Blue Economy development, attracting investments in maritime infrastructure and aquaculture, and creating employment and skill-building avenues for its citizens.
The conference will conclude with the issuance of a communiqué and an action roadmap aimed at advancing Nigeria’s Blue Economy, strengthening partnerships, and ultimately positioning Nigeria, particularly Bayelsa State, as a key player in Africa’s emerging marine landscape.
Engr. Capt. Johnson concluded by urging the press to amplify the message, stating, “IMABEC 2025 is more than a conference; it is a national awakening to the immense opportunities that lie within our waters… the Blue Economy is indeed the future of sustainable growth and prosperity for our nation.”
