President and Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Industries Limited, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has urged the Federal Government to channel investments into six priority areas of the marine and blue economy to drive growth, create jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness.
Speaking at the 2nd Quarter 2026 Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement organised by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Lagos, Dangote identified the areas as port infrastructure and logistics, maritime manufacturing and shipbuilding, fisheries and aquaculture value chain, marine technology and data services, marine renewable energy, and coastal tourism.
Presenting a paper titled, Driving Private Sector Investment and Industrialisation in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy, he said Nigeria’s marine resources hold enormous economic potential.
“The opportunities within Nigeria’s marine and blue economy are extensive, but capital should be directed to areas capable of generating the greatest economic value, creating sustainable jobs and strengthening Nigeria’s industrial competitiveness,” he said.
Dangote also called for a broader approach to Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), saying they should be treated as strategic tools for national development rather than mere financing arrangements.
“When we talk about public-private partnerships, we must move beyond seeing them simply as financing arrangements. They should be viewed as strategic partnerships for national development,” he said.
He said government must provide clear policies, a stable regulatory environment and critical infrastructure, while the private sector should contribute long-term investments, innovation and operational excellence.
Dangote noted that collaboration is already taking shape, citing partnerships involving the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank’s PROBLUE initiative to support Nigeria’s blue economy strategy and develop Blue Clusters across selected pilot states.
According to him, coastal industrial clusters backed by modern ports, Special Economic Zones, efficient customs processes, digital infrastructure and fiscal incentives can attract long-term investments, boost industrialisation, create jobs and position Nigeria as a leading maritime and logistics hub in Africa.
