Business
LAGOS-based Blue Economy Academy recently partnered with the International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI) Nigeria to host a landmark event, bringing together industry leaders, professionals, and stakeholders to explore the integration of the Blue Economy into Nigeria’s real estate sector. Themed “The Blue Economy & A Sea of Opportunity for Nigeria,” the gathering underscored the immense potential of marine-based resources in driving sustainable real estate development, economic growth, and job creation.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Ubong Essien, Founder of the Blue Economy Academy and former Special Adviser on Communications and Strategy to the DG of NIMASA, urged real estate professionals to recognize and incorporate marine-based opportunities into their investment strategies.
He highlighted the $1.5 trillion global Blue Economy, emphasizing Nigeria’s potential to capture 10% of this wealth, given its expansive water ecosystem.
“Seventy to eighty percent of global trade happens via the ocean, and this presents a significant opportunity for Nigeria’s real estate sector to innovate and align with emerging Blue Economy opportunities,” Essien stated. He outlined ten key buckets within the Blue Economy that real estate practitioners can explore, including Blue Cities/Estates, Blue Commerce, Blue Climate, Blue Capital, Blue Talent, Blue Governance, and Blue Renewable Energy.
Fiasco Nigeria’s leadership reinforced the significance of the Blue Economy for the sector. Akin Opatola, Chapter President of FIABCI Nigeria, emphasized the need for innovative thinking, citing successful models from countries like Singapore and India. He encouraged real estate practitioners to shift beyond government advocacy to active engagement in policy implementation, ensuring Nigeria maximizes its marine resources for long-term economic benefits.
The event also served as an induction ceremony for 15 new FIABCI Nigeria members, who pledged their commitment to upholding the organization’s core values of integrity, transparency, professionalism, and collaboration. Mr. Adeniji Adele, FIABCI Africa and Near East President, administered the oath of allegiance, urging inductees to embrace international standards and ethical practices to enhance Nigeria’s real estate sector globally.
Delivering a goodwill message, FIABCI World President, Mr. Ramon Riera Torroba, commended FIABCI Nigeria for its forward-thinking initiatives and commitment to promoting sustainable development within the real estate industry. He encouraged continued collaboration and innovation in harnessing Nigeria’s vast marine potential.
Strategic Alignment with Nigeria’s Economic Goals
FIABCI Nigeria’s focus on the Blue Economy aligns with the Federal Government’s broader economic diversification strategy. With Nigeria working towards a $1 trillion economy, real estate professionals are encouraged to explore the vast opportunities the Blue Economy offers. “As real estate professionals, we must align our strategies with national economic objectives to drive sustainable development,” Opatola emphasized.
Additionally, FIABCI Nigeria is gearing up to host the prestigious 75th FIABCI World Real Estate Congress in Lagos in June, reinforcing Nigeria’s growing influence in global real estate.
As Nigeria looks to harness its vast marine resources, the Blue Economy Academy remains at the forefront, providing cutting-edge education, training, and strategic insights for industry professionals seeking to capitalize on this emerging sector. The Academy continues to champion the integration of sustainable and marine-based investments into Nigeria’s real estate landscape.
A.I
Feb. 8, 2025
Tags: FIABCI
