THE NIGERIAN BLUE ECONOMY: EVALUATING THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES VIABLE FOR SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION

Abstract

Nigeria's economic structure is identified as a mixed economy, with the blue economy sector playing a crucial role, especially given the nation's position as a significant global oil producer and exporter. However, much has not been done to evaluate how policies and procedures drive the blue economy in Nigeria. This study, therefore, anchored on public choice theory (PCT) to evaluate policies and procedures workable for blue economy in Nigeria. This study applied a survey method whereby the data were gotten through primary and secondary sources. The primary data involved maritime operators at Apapa and Tincan Island Ports because of their knowledge and experience in maritime operations. The study further distributed a total of 300 copies of questionnaire out of which 218 copies were filled and returned representing 72.7% response rate. To test the hypothesis of this study, inferential statistics with the aid of multiple regression was employed and it was statistically significant at 0.5% level. Scoping approach and trend analysis were deployed for the secondary data to understand the performance of ports in Nigeria while systematic review was employed to evaluate previous blue policies of selected countries in Africa. The findings of this study revealed that policy is identified having higher contribution to the blue economy than procedure, but generally, both of them are instrumental. Also, the performance of Nigerian ports from 2011 to 2022 was not consistent, although relatively reasonable. These findings have indicated the reasons why Nigeria should pay adequate attention to blue economy policies and procedures.