The Olu of Warri, , has called on people of the Niger Delta to unite and take ownership of the emerging blue economy, urging stakeholders to ensure that economic growth does not come at the expense of the environment and local communities.
Speaking on Wednesday at the maiden Warri Blue Economy Summit (WABES) 2026 in Warri, Delta State, the monarch said the region had been presented with another opportunity to transform its fortunes and must take the lead in harnessing its vast marine and coastal resources for sustainable development.
“Too many times, Warri and the greater Niger Delta have missed the opportunity to be pioneers, leaders and strong beneficiaries of what God has blessed us with. I believe God has given us another opportunity and it is time for us to rise to that occasion and be the ones leading the charge,” he said.
The monarch described the blue economy as a major economic frontier capable of unlocking prosperity across the Niger Delta but warned against repeating mistakes associated with previous resource booms that left communities impoverished and ecosystems damaged.
As custodian of both the people and the environment, Atuwatse III stressed that development must be pursued responsibly.
“While we want our lives to drastically improve by the proceeds of the blue economy, our environment must not pay the price,” he said.
In a message that resonated with many participants, the royal father advocated a development model that would allow local residents to prosper within their communities instead of migrating to cities in search of better opportunities.
“This time the people must witness a positive impact of the full formation of this economy, not just in their pocket, but in their environment and in their lives, without them having to relocate away from this environment and run to urban areas,” he added.
The monarch also highlighted the enormous economic potential of the Niger Delta’s mangrove forests, describing them as valuable natural assets that could generate revenue through global carbon credit markets while preserving the environment.
According to him, properly protected mangrove ecosystems can produce high-quality carbon credits capable of creating jobs, supporting local communities and funding development projects.
“Our mangrove forests are among the most effective natural carbon sinks. By formally protecting and managing these habitats, we can generate high-quality carbon credits. The sale of these credits can provide reliable income streams, support local communities, create conservation jobs and fund development projects while safeguarding the environment,” he said.
Atuwatse III maintained that local communities must remain central stakeholders in any blue economy initiative and receive a fair share of the benefits.
“Our vision extends far beyond conservation. It is about building a thriving green economy that works hand-in-hand with the blue economy and the orange economy, while benefiting those of us who are here now and the generations to come,” he said.
Also speaking, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, , represented by the ministry’s Director of Legal Services, Irene Imade Ideva, said the summit’s theme, “Harnessing Our Blue Wealth for Sustainable Growth and Shared Prosperity,” aligns with the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda.
He noted that Nigeria possesses significant natural advantages, including extensive coastlines, inland waterways, abundant aquatic resources and strategic shipping routes that position the country as a potential leader in Africa’s blue economy sector.
Oyetola identified opportunities in maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture, logistics, offshore services, coastal infrastructure and marine tourism, stressing that public-private partnerships would play a critical role in attracting investment.
He described Warri as a strategic maritime and industrial hub whose development remains crucial to Nigeria’s maritime future, while calling for environmental protection, climate resilience, youth empowerment and community participation.
Representing the Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, , Technical Adviser Dr. Kabir Ali Masanawa urged stakeholders to view the blue economy beyond shipping and fisheries by embracing culture, tourism and creative industries.
He noted that Nigeria’s coastlines, waterways, festivals, traditional institutions and indigenous knowledge systems possess immense economic value capable of attracting investment and creating jobs.
“Warri is not only an economic hub; it is a cultural gateway where history, trade, tradition and innovation have coexisted for centuries,” he said.
Earlier, Executive Chairman of the Warri Blue Economy Development Initiative, Chief (Dame) Ebiyemi Omatseye, described the summit as a landmark event in the economic history of Warri Kingdom.
She said sectors such as shipping, ports, tourism, aquaculture, renewable energy and environmental conservation could create jobs and address long-standing challenges of unemployment and environmental degradation in local communities.
“Our waterways must become pathways to prosperity and our resources catalysts for development,” she said.
Former Director-General of , Dr. Temisan Omatseye, advocated greater investment in maritime infrastructure and called for the expansion of the Warri Port beyond its current feeder-port status to unlock wider economic opportunities.
Also speaking, Fidelity Bank Regional Head, Augusta Anyanwu-Egbom, projected that the blue economy could generate over 40 million jobs in Nigeria if fully developed and supported by strong partnerships among government, investors and development institutions.
The summit featured panel discussions and technical sessions on maritime entrepreneurship, tourism development, economic diversification, capacity building and investment opportunities in the Koko Free Trade Zone.
Participants at the summit called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, traditional institutions, investors, development partners and host communities to ensure that the Niger Delta emerges as a major beneficiary of Nigeria’s growing blue economy while preserving its fragile ecosystems for future generations.