NGX Urges Nigeria to Harness Blue Bonds for Maritime Growth and $10bn Investment Drive
Nigeria’s vast maritime resources could soon power a new wave of economic growth if the country embraces innovative financing tools like blue bonds, according to the Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX), Mr. Jude Chiemeka. Speaking at the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s third-quarter citizens’ and stakeholders’ engagement in Lagos, Chiemeka said the nation’s 853-kilometre coastline and extensive inland waterways represent “multi-billion-dollar” opportunities in fisheries, aquaculture, ports, shipping, offshore energy, and tourism.
He explained that blue bonds—special debt instruments designed to fund sustainable ocean and coastal projects—can be raised through bond issuance programmes and listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited to attract both local and international investors. “With innovative instruments like blue bonds, blended finance, and thematic instruments, the ministry can mobilise billions in new capital,” Chiemeka said, noting that alternative and sustainable financing is the key to moving Nigeria’s marine policy “from paper to impact.”
Chiemeka stressed that the country’s marine and blue economy needs at least $10 billion over the next decade to restore mangroves and wetlands, modernise ports and logistics, expand aquaculture and cold-chain facilities, and upgrade wastewater and pollution control systems. He warned that the current government budget allocation falls far short of what is needed to unlock this potential, urging stronger private and institutional capital mobilisation to meet the funding gap.
The NGX boss also highlighted the appeal of blue and thematic bonds to institutional investors, saying they typically lower project funding costs compared to bank loans and offer “superior risk-adjusted returns.” These listed and tradable securities, he noted, provide pension funds, banks, and other large investors a chance to participate in critical infrastructure projects while supporting sustainability goals.
Chiemeka further explained that blended finance—which uses public or philanthropic funds to catalyse private sector investment in high-impact but high-risk projects—could unlock capital for port modernisation, wastewater treatment plants, aquaculture hubs, and cold-chain logistics for fisheries. “Together, we can move from policy to impact, financing the future of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy,” he said, adding that NGX stands ready to partner with the ministry to operationalise these instruments and transform Nigeria’s maritime future.
source: punch