– Urges journalists to lead blue economy awakening


Mkpoikana Udoma


Port Harcourt —

Nigeria is considered “sea-blind,” and River State might miss out on leveraging its coastal benefits unless it formulates a clear blue economy plan, according to maritime specialist and founder of the Blue Economy Academy, Mr Ubong Essien.

During his virtual keynote speech at the 2025 Correspondents’ Week event organized by the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Essien sharply criticized the region’s inability to utilize its coastal resources effectively. He urged immediate steps be taken along with proactive journalism efforts to address years of oversight and underdevelopment.

“You can’t live next to the Atlantic and remain indifferent to it. You can’t report from Port Harcourt and act like you’re inland. You can’t be coastal and clueless,” Essien said in his address themed “Blue Economy – Starting Steps for Rivers State.”

He described Nigeria’s failure to develop its ocean assets as “ocean amnesia,” despite the country’s 853km coastline, rich biodiversity, and geo-strategic maritime position in West Africa.

“Nigeria is a sea-blind nation. Our obsession with oil has blinded us to an even greater wealth: the Blue Economy.”

Citing a sharp drop in U.S. oil imports from Nigeria — from nearly one million barrels per day to just 5,000 barrels per day in 2020 — Essien said the economic warning signs were clear, but ignored.

“That should’ve been our wake-up call to diversify. But we hit snooze,” he said.

Turning attention to Rivers State, Essien said the state must shed its passivity and assume leadership in ocean-based development, stressing that geography has given it both an opportunity and a responsibility.

Rivers State could serve as Nigeria’s hub for the Blue Economy, hosting ports, pipelines, mangrove forests, fishing grounds, and innovative ventures. However, without active participation from the media, these prospects may drift away,” he stated, urging journalists in the region to redefine their roles beyond mere reporting—to become “guardians of public consciousness.

“Each journalist in Rivers State who is competent—no ocean pun intended—must handle two subjects, with at least one being related to the ocean,” Essien stated.

He pointed out that the Blue Economy connects with all areas of journalism reporting: pollution relates to public health stories, port congestion ties into economic issues, maritime insecurity falls under national security topics, and coastal erosion highlights aspects of the climate crisis.

“Covering oceans isn’t just a specialty; it’s essential,” he stated, urging for a reconsideration of how we perceive and report on rivers.

The term ‘riverine areas’ has come to represent poverty and disregard rather than potential and development,” Essien emphasized. “We need to reshape our understanding.

Essien urged journalists in the region to embrace “Maritime Journalism,” emphasizing that beyond reporting news, they should work towards raising public consciousness regarding the sea’s untapped possibilities.

Each journalist in Rivers State who truly excels—in their profession, not referring to the sea here—should cover at least two areas, with one being related to the ocean. Water pollution represents a public health issue. Port gridlock signifies an economic challenge. Traditional fishing pertains to community sustenance. Shoreline degradation highlights environmental concerns. Essentially, all other topics intersect with stories about the ocean.

The previous Strategic Communication Advisor to the Director-General of NIMASA presented a five-point plan for Rivers State to adopt the blue economy concept. The proposals encompass a statewide ocean education initiative, improvements in coastal infrastructure, support for riverside communities, skill development among young people, and awareness campaigns led by the media.

He highlighted the essential function of reporters in molding our tomorrow, asserting: “You aren’t observers. You act as the link between strategy and community. You represent the fourth ‘C’ among the four Cs driving marine advancement—Collaboration, Cooperation, Coherence, and Communication.”

Essien connected the dots between the blue economy and journalism benefits, suggesting that this growing field offers new avenues for compelling stories and financial gain. He stated, “Maritime journalists, port correspondents, blue economy writers, ocean climate reporters, and sustainability media experts all have a part to play.” According to him, “Professionals in these roles can earn from their knowledge, offer consulting services, establish specialized brands, and expand their revenue sources.”

He cautioned that the primary obstacle to advancement isn’t insufficient resources but rather a deficiency in imagination. “What matters most for Rivers State,” Essien stated, “is declaring total combat against what poses as its chief domestic adversary: maritime myopia.” This refers to the failure to recognize the economic benefits, ecological influence, cutting-edge possibilities, and workforce advantages presented by the sea.

He additionally urged for a change in how riverine communities are viewed, frequently regarded as peripheral. “Being riverside shouldn’t be seen as a drawback. Instead, it ought to serve as a strategic label—an indication to allocate resources, foster empowerment, drive development, and set priorities.”

In the following phase, Essien suggested initiating a Blue Economy Media Forum in collaboration with the Correspondents’ Chapel prior to the conclusion of 2025. This forum would be designed to enhance journalists’ engagement in promoting ocean consciousness and supporting policy initiatives.

This isn’t merely a keynote; it’s a launchpad. Use this instant as the conclusion of maritime indifference and the start of maritime boldness. The ocean should no longer serve as mere background—it must become central to our strategy.