Dr. Felicia Chinwe Mogo, a leading advocate for sustainable development and Nigeria’s blue economy, has been re‑elected to the United Nations Group of Experts on Marine Environment and Socio‑Economics for the 2026–2030 term.
PLATFORM REPORTERS learnt that her renomination under the African Group underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in global marine governance and international confidence in the country’s technical expertise and policy leadership.
Dr. Mogo is the first African woman to be elected to this UN expert group – a historic milestone she frames as an opportunity to drive tangible impact. Reflecting on her re‑election, she noted: “Nigeria’s voice in global marine and blue economy governance is growing, and my renomination reflects that progress.”
During her previous term, Dr. Mogo served as Lead Author for chapters on Shipping and Deep-Sea Minerals and co‑led three additional chapters. She also facilitated regional capacity-building programs, strengthening technical expertise and institutional governance in developing countries. Her work consistently bridges science, policy, and socio-economic realities, ensuring African perspectives are embedded in global assessments.
Beyond her UN role, Dr. Mogo mentors emerging professionals through her NGO, the African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI), which focuses on capacity building, policy advocacy, and sustainable ocean governance. She has trained early-career Nigerians for UN expert roles, further amplifying national impact.
Academically, Dr. Mogo has served as: External Examiner for a PhD candidate at the World Maritime University, Sweden; Guest Lecturer at Igbinedion University, Nigeria; and PhD Supervisor at a U.S. University.
She is also a member of the High-Level Panel on Sustainable Ocean Economy at the World Resources Institute, Washington, D.C., and author of Regulating the Blue Economy of Africa: The Nigerian Scenario.
Dr. Mogo’s leadership has strengthened Nigeria’s blue economy initiatives, coordinated federal capacity-building programs, and facilitated alignment with international best practices. Her re-election positions Nigeria and Africa to leverage UN assessments to advance sustainable fisheries, shipping, maritime security, climate finance, and ecosystem restoration.
This re-election is both a personal achievement and a strategic national asset, reinforcing Nigeria’s leadership in shaping sustainable and globally relevant ocean governance.
