Bayelsa Moves to Build Inclusive Grassroots Blue Economy Ecosystem
Yenagoa – The Bayelsa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive, sustainable and community-driven blue economy ecosystem capable of expanding livelihoods, attracting investment, strengthening coastal resilience and driving long-term economic transformation across the state.
This formed the focus of a one-day stakeholders’ engagement on the development of Bayelsa State Blue Economy Clusters, held on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Yenagoa.
Speaking at the workshop, the Honourable Commissioner for Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Mrs. Faith Izibenua Zibs-Godwin, said the engagement was designed to validate the structure and composition of Bayelsa’s grassroots blue economy clusters, while also generating practical recommendations to support the ongoing World Bank-approved cluster conceptualisation process.
She noted that the prosperity and future growth of Bayelsa are closely tied to the sustainable management and utilisation of its vast marine and coastal resources, stressing that government remains committed to policies, partnerships and investments that will improve livelihoods, stimulate enterprise development and promote inclusive economic participation across coastal communities.
The workshop, which also recorded active virtual participation from stakeholders across the state, featured technical sessions and strategic engagements on the blue economy cluster ecosystem approach, climate resilience, sustainability, investment opportunities and coastal livelihoods.
Participants identified major challenges confronting the sector, including climate-related threats affecting coastal communities amongst others.
Stakeholders were subsequently divided into five breakout groups covering Fisheries and Marine Harvesting; Aquaculture and Blue Food Systems; Women, Processing and Coastal Livelihoods; Trade, Logistics and Marine Enterprise; as well as Youth Innovation, Governance and Investment.
The groups reviewed existing sector realities, identified immediate, medium-term and long-term priority needs, and proposed investment opportunities and quick-win projects such as solar dryers, ice plants, fish processing hubs, structured landing sites, export corridors and integrated marine industrial ecosystems.
The workshop ended with the adoption of key resolutions and recommendations aimed at strengthening institutional coordination, deepening private sector participation and enhancing stakeholder collaboration towards unlocking the vast potentials of Bayelsa’s blue economy sector.
