HARNESSING THE BLUE ECONOMY FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: AN ASSESSMENT OF POLICY, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND LIVELIHOODS IN AKWA IBOM STATE, NIGERIA (2023-2026)

The Blue Economy has surfaced as a vital avenue for sustainable economic diversification in the coastal areas, especially in resource-dependent regions such as Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. This research investigates the growth, potential, and obstacles of the Blue Economy in Akwa Ibom State within the framework of the ARISE Agenda (2023-2026). The study was anchored on Sustainable Development theory. The study was conducted within the coastal communities of Eket Federal Constituency to evaluate policy frameworks, infrastructure initiatives like the Ibom Deep Seaport and Oron Maritime Hub, human capital development programmes, and collaborations with organisations such as the UNDP. A descriptive research design was employed for the study. A total of 352 study respondents were engaged in the study through Fetterman’s Big-Net Approach of sample size. Quantitative data were collected through a questionnaire and analysed in simple percentages. A purposive sampling technique was used to engage study respondents from the coastal communities and nearby inland settlements. The findings reveal that although Akwa Ibom has considerable coastal and marine resources capable of creating jobs, improving food security, and decreasing reliance on oil, challenges remain in policy integration, coastal erosion, and security issues. The research concludes that a cooperative strategy that includes the government, the private sector, and local communities is crucial for establishing a sustainable and inclusive Blue Economy. Policy suggestions include enhancing fisheries governance, investing in marine research, and ensuring that traditional fishing communities are incorporated into formal economic planning.