Mangrove ecosystems constitute a vital socio-economic and ecological lifeline for coastal communities in the Niger Delta, yet they face unprecedented pressure from overexploitation and environmental degradation. This study assessed the multi-dimensional impacts of mangrove ecosystems in the southern part of Akwa Ibom State, focusing on their roles in artisanal fisheries, wood-based energy, non-timber forest products (NTFPs), and coastal protection. A mixed-methods research design was employed, combining ecological field surveys with socio-economic assessments. Using Cochran’s formula, a sample of 384 respondents was proportionately drawn from three Local Government Areas (Ibeno, Eastern Obolo, and Mbo). Data were collected through structured questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and systematic quadrant sampling (10m \times 10m plots) to quantify resource density. Findings revealed that the mangrove-dependent population is predominantly male (64.6%) and economically active, with the 31–45 age group (40.6%) being the most dominant. Fishing emerged as the primary livelihood (42.2%), with finfish (38.0%) and shellfish (29.2%) being the most harvested resources. The study identified a significant wood-based economy where Rhizophora racemosa and Avicennia africana are harvested for fish smoking and construction. However, educational attainment was generally low, with 25.5% having no formal education, which correlates with a high dependency on natural resources. Income levels were similarly constrained, with 69.3% of households earning less than ₦20,000 monthly, indicating widespread economic vulnerability. Ecologically, the quadrant analysis confirmed that mangroves provide critical “green infrastructure” against Atlantic storm surges, though “mangrove mining” for fuelwood threatens this protective function. The study concludes that while mangroves are central to regional food security and household stability, current extraction rates are nearing a tipping point. It recommends a transition toward “blue economy” alternatives, such as ecotourism and sustainable apiculture, and the integration of indigenous knowledge into formal conservation policies to ensure the long-term resilience of Akwa Ibom’s coastal fringes.

Keywords: Mangrove Ecosystem, Artisanal Fisheries, Livelihoods, Niger Delta, Akwa Ibom State, Socio-economic Impact, Resource Management.