Nigeria is taking centre stage at the ongoing Our Ocean Conference in Mombasa, Kenya, with the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, representing President Bola Tinubu at the high-profile global gathering focused on ocean sustainability and the blue economy.
The three-day conference, which runs from June 16 to 18, brings together heads of state, ministers, policymakers, investors, environmental advocates and civil society leaders to advance practical solutions for protecting the world’s oceans while unlocking their economic potential.
Since its launch in 2014, the Our Ocean Conference has earned a reputation as one of the world’s most action-oriented environmental forums, distinguished by its strong record of turning commitments into measurable outcomes. This year’s edition places Africa’s blue economy firmly in the spotlight, recognising its critical role in supporting more than 50 million jobs across the continent’s 38 coastal nations.
Discussions are centred on pressing challenges facing marine ecosystems, including illegal fishing, plastic pollution, rising sea temperatures and the need for stronger marine protection measures. At the summit, Nigeria is expected to showcase its growing role as a leading maritime nation, highlighting efforts to develop its blue economy, strengthen maritime security and improve ocean health across the Gulf of Guinea.
The country is also expected to engage with international partners on strategies to boost sustainable ocean-based industries and enhance regional cooperation. Beyond policy discussions, the conference features investment forums, a BlueTech exhibition, youth leadership platforms and specialised policy clinics designed to accelerate innovation, climate adaptation and sustainable ocean governance.
Organisers say the gathering is expected to unlock fresh public and private sector financing for marine conservation and sustainable ocean management, reinforcing the global push to balance economic growth with environmental stewardship.