Olu of Warri pushes blue economy for Niger Delta with carbon credits from mangrove protection

The Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, called on the Niger Delta to lead the blue economy at the Warri Blue Economy Summit 2026. He warned against repeating past environmental damage and stressed that development must not come at the cost of the region's ecosystems. The monarch highlighted mangrove forests as natural carbon sinks that could generate revenue through carbon credit markets, funding local projects and creating jobs. Nigerian ministers and financial leaders backed the vision, pointing to opportunities in maritime transport, fisheries, aquaculture, and renewable energy. The summit emphasized that local communities must be central beneficiaries. The blue economy could create over 40 million jobs in Nigeria if properly developed, with public-private partnerships unlocking investment in coastal infrastructure and sustainable industries.