Green and Blue Economy Transitions and Resource Governance in Nigeria

Abstract

This study critically examined the interplay transition dynamics linking green economy, blue economy, and resource governance in Nigeria from 2010 to 2024, a period marked by major reforms in energy, maritime trade, and governance. The paper conceptualizes the relationship among these variable not as isolated sectors but as an interconnected governance nexus shape by institutional quality, sustainability transitions and restructuring. The articles argue that renewable energy transitions and maritime economic reforms cannot independently produce sustainable development outcomes unless government institutions are capable of mediating economic interest, reducing corruption and coordinating regulatory framework. Anchored on an econometric research design and panel data analysis, the study utilized secondary data from credible sources including the World Bank, IEA, NPA, NRGI, UNCTAD, and CBN. The model integrated renewable energy adoption, green investment, maritime trade output, governance quality, and FDI inflows. Findings revealed that green energy transitions positively influence governance quality through accountability enhancing institutional reforms, while blue economy expansion strengthens governance when port administration, customs systems, and maritime regulation become transparent and digitally coordinated. The study also reveals that governance quality simultaneously shapes and is shaped by green economy reforms, thereby demonstrating the existence of reverse causality and institutional feedback effects. Furthermore, improved governance significantly enhances investor confidence and foreign direct investment inflow. The study concludes that Nigeria's sustainable development prospects depend not merely on sectorial reforms but on the successful institutional coordination of green and blue economy transition within an accountable framework.