UN Re-Elects Mogo Into Marine, Blue Economy Governance Group of Experts

BY FUNMI ALUKO

Dr. (Mrs.) Felicia Chinwe Mogo(Nee Agbatekwe), a leading sustainability advocate and pioneer of Nigeria’s blue economy, has been re-elected into the United Nations (UN) Group of Experts on Marine Environment and Socio-Economics for the 2026–2030 cycle.

The re-nomination, under the African Group, underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in global marine governance and reflects sustained international confidence in the country’s technical expertise, policy insight, and leadership in ocean and blue economy matters.

Notably, Dr. Mogo remains the first African woman ever elected to the UN Group of Experts on Marine Environment and Socio-Economics, a historic milestone she has consistently framed as a platform for delivery rather than symbolism. She has described the role as “a unique opportunity to achieve impact, not a vulnerability,” emphasizing competence, contribution, and results-driven engagement.

Reacting to the development, Dr. Mogo stated: “Nigeria’s voice in global marine and blue economy governance is growing, and my renomination reflects that progress.”

During the third cycle of the UN Regular Process, Dr. Mogo served as Lead Author for two strategic chapters on Shipping and Deep-Sea Minerals, and co-lead author for three additional chapters. Beyond authorship, she played a key role in facilitating regional capacity-building programmes, strengthening institutional and technical understanding of marine governance across developing regions.

Her work within the UN framework has consistently bridged science, policy, and socio-economic realities, particularly for coastal and developing states, ensuring that African perspectives are firmly embedded in global assessments and reporting.

Often described as a “street and gown personality,” Dr. Mogo combines grassroots engagement with high-level academic and policy leadership. She mentors emerging professionals through her NGO, the African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI), which focuses on capacity building, policy advocacy, and sustainable ocean governance across Africa. She has also enrolled some early career Nigerians into the pool of experts ( pre-qualified professionals) in the UN

Academically, she has served as:

• External Examiner to a PhD candidate at the World Maritime University, Sweden
• Guest Lecturer at Igbinedion University, Nigeria
• PhD Supervisor at a university in the United States

She is also a member of the Expert Group of the High-Level Panel on Sustainable Ocean Economy at the World Resources Institute (WRI), Washington DC, USA.

In addition to being widely credited with introducing the Blue Economy as a critical sustainability focus for Nigeria, Dr. Mogo played a pioneering role in preparing officials of the former Federal Ministry of Transportation and the Federal House Committee on Maritime and Education through both local and international capacity-building programmes. She coordinated the expanded Partnership Committee on the implementation of Blue Economy, the Presidency.

She is also the first author of a book dedicated to Africa’s blue economy, titled:

Regulating the Blue Economy of Africa Towards Sustainable Development: The Nigerian Scenario.

Through AFMESI, her organization actively engages with World Bank technical cooperation initiatives, supporting the development and implementation of Nigeria’s Blue Economy Framework. These efforts complement the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, strengthening alignment between global commitments and national development strategies.

Her continued engagement at the UN level enhances Nigeria’s capacity to:

• Advance sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, ports, shipping, marine tourism, and offshore energy
• Improve maritime security and regional cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea
• Leverage climate finance, nature-based solutions, and ecosystem restoration
• Translate international marine assessments into practical national and regional impact

Looking ahead, Dr. Mogo has expressed her intention to devote her current re- nomination mandate to supporting Nigeria and other African countries in effectively leveraging UN assessment and reporting mechanisms on marine environment and socio-economics.

She noted that this approach is critical for enabling African states to fully key into blue economy opportunities, unlock sustainable economic benefits, and ensure the long-term health of the oceans upon which livelihoods and development depend.

Her re-election is therefore not only a personal milestone, but a strategic national and continental asset, reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership role in shaping inclusive, sustainable, and globally relevant ocean governance.