Lagos Govt Unveils Blue Economy TV To Champion Nigeria’s Waterways Potential

By Roland Ekama 

 

The Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) General Manager, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, on Monday, March 23, 2026, hailed the launch of Blue Economy TV as a pivotal “awakening of consciousness” for Nigeria’s vast maritime opportunities, declaring it the voice that will transform underutilized waters into economic lifelines.

Speaking at the unveiling of Blue Economy TV in Lagos, Emmanuel who also serves as Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Blue Economy—painted a vivid picture of Lagos’s watery domain: over 180 nautical miles of coastline, 140 nautical miles of inland waterways, and a maritime corridor handling 70% of Nigeria’s international trade.

The Special Adviser stressed that “nations rise not only by what they build, but by how well they communicate what is possible—and Blue Economy TV is that voice for our waters.”

 

Emmanuel emphasized that the platform marks a shift, reframing waters as “bridges, lifelines, and strategies” rather than barriers. She highlighted untapped prospects, including youth jobs, fisheries for food security, water transport, tourism investments, port development, marine services, and climate resilience.

Drawing on biblical imagery, she likened the launch to “the sound of abundance of rain,” signaling that “Lagos is ready, Nigeria is rising, and the Blue Economy is no longer an idea—it is a movement.”

According to him , “Blue Economy TV, founded by Ubong Essien, pledges to tell untold stories, spotlight hidden opportunities, and bridge vision to action.

“”Before transformation happens in systems, it must first happen in the minds of people,” Emmanuel noted, while congratulating the team and urging attendees to engage, build, and lead.

The LASWA boss added that “the waters are calling—and through platforms like this, we are finally responding.” The initiative arrives amid growing national focus on the blue economy, positioning Lagos as a powerhouse beyond its commercial hub status.

Earlier, founder of Blue Economy TV, Ubong Essien, noted that the ocean is vast, hence the need for the media to create the required awareness.

He added that the television’s content focuses mainly on the blue economy, with regular programs going live to highlight maritime activities.

The founder called on maritime journalists to take advantage of the newly launched television, as it will create the needed awareness for government policy formulation and decision-making in furtherance of a prosperous blue economy in Nigeria.