Blue Economy and Poverty Reduction in Nigeria: A Systematic Review of Empirical Evidence

Abstract

The blue economy presents a strategic frontier for Nigeria to achieve sustainable development and poverty alleviation by harnessing its abundant marine and aquatic resources. With over 850 km of Atlantic coastline and vast inland waterways, Nigeria is well-positioned to benefit from ocean-based economic activities. However, empirical evidence reveals that the country’s blue economy remains underdeveloped, hindered by policy incoherence, infrastructural gaps, environmental degradation, and weak institutional coordination. This systematic review synthesizes empirical research to assess the blue economy’s potential contributions to poverty reduction in Nigeria. The study explores five key dimensions: emerging research trends, alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), implementation challenges, scaling strategies, and policy implications.Findings show a predominance of research focused on traditional sectors like fisheries and maritime transport, with limited attention to high-growth areas such as marine biotechnology, offshore renewable energy, and blue carbon markets. Despite this narrow scope, localized initiatives—such as aquaculture and artisanal fisheries in states like Bayelsa and Lagos—have demonstrated measurable impacts on household incomes, food security, and employment. Comparative analysis with countries like Norway, Seychelles, and Mauritius highlights successful integration of blue economy strategies through coordinated national policies, innovative financing, and institutional capacity building.Nigeria’s coastal states—Lagos, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River—possess significant marine potential but are constrained by marine pollution, illegal fishing, and fragmented governance. The study concludes that unlocking the blue economy’s poverty-reducing potential in Nigeria requires a coherent national strategy, investment in marine infrastructure, empowerment of local communities, and robust data systems for evidence-based policymaking. By aligning with global best practices and national frameworks such as the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) and the 2022 Blue Economy Policy, Nigeria can transform its ocean economy into a pillar of inclusive growth, environmental resilience, and sustainable development.