By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, will represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 11th edition of the Our Ocean Conference (OOC11) scheduled to hold from June 16 to 18, 2026, in Mombasa, Kenya.
The conference, taking place at the PrideInn Paradise Resort, will bring together world leaders, policymakers, development partners, private sector stakeholders, civil society organizations, and maritime experts to advance sustainable ocean management and strengthen global commitments towards ocean conservation.
Since its inception in 2014, the Our Ocean Conference has become a leading global platform for voluntary ocean action, promoting accountability, implementation, and collaboration in addressing critical marine and environmental challenges. The forum focuses on mobilizing public and private sector investments while encouraging practical solutions to ocean sustainability.
This year’s conference comes at a time of increasing concern over ocean degradation, climate change, illegal and unregulated fishing, plastic pollution, and the need for stronger marine protection measures. With 38 African countries bordering the ocean and the continent’s blue economy supporting more than 50 million jobs, discussions are expected to highlight the vital role of oceans in Africa’s economic development and environmental security.
The conference programme includes investment and finance forums on blue economy opportunities, donor roundtables, youth leadership engagements, women-focused blue economy platforms, and knowledge-sharing initiatives involving coastal and indigenous communities.
Key activities will feature high-level plenary sessions involving Heads of State and ministers, policy dialogues, commitment announcements, innovation and technology exhibitions showcasing BlueTech solutions, climate adaptation initiatives, and digital ocean systems, as well as thematic workshops and regional cooperation dialogues.
Nigeria is expected to present its efforts as one of Africa’s major maritime nations, highlighting initiatives in blue economy development, climate action, ocean health, maritime security, and regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea.
The country’s participation underscores its commitment to harnessing ocean resources sustainably while promoting maritime safety, environmental protection, and economic growth.
