Lagos State Government Partners with Blue Economy TV to Unlock Nigeria’s Vast Marine and Inland Water Potential

Lagos State launches Blue Economy TV to unlock maritime potential. Special Adviser Oluwadamilola Emmanuel discusses port infrastructure, fisheries, and 2026 investment.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 24, 2026, 4:49 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from The Nation

A Strategic Shift Toward Maritime Economic Awakening

Lagos State is moving to assert its identity as a global maritime powerhouse with the official launch of Blue Economy TV (BETV). Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy and General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), characterized the platform as a pivotal instrument for economic transformation. Despite handling over 70% of Nigeria’s international trade, the state’s extensive coastline and inland waterways remain significantly underutilized. The introduction of BETV is intended to bridge this gap by fostering a "national economic awakening" that rebrands Nigeria's waters as strategic lifelines rather than mere scenery.

Converting Waterway Potential into Tangible Policy Action

The commercial promise locked within the Lagos aquatic corridor spans several high-impact sectors, including aquaculture, marine services, tourism, and sports. Emmanuel argued that for systemic transformation to occur, there must first be a shift in public consciousness. BETV is designed to lead this charge by telling the untold stories of maritime opportunity and providing the functional knowledge required to attract both local and foreign investment. By acting as a communication bridge, the platform aims to turn theoretical potential into concrete policy actions that support food security and environmental sustainability.

Prioritizing Education, Port Infrastructure, and Fisheries

In his inaugural interview on the platform, Emmanuel outlined three near-term priorities for the Lagos blue economy agenda. First, he emphasized mass education to combat "sea blindness" among the public and policymakers. Second, he identified "low-hanging fruits"—immediate high-impact opportunities—that align with a five-year green economy development horizon. Finally, he stressed the urgent need for Lagos to assert leadership in port infrastructure and the fisheries sector. These priorities are viewed as essential steps for the state to claim its role as a regional hub for blue finance and innovation.