Nigeria launches first-ever blue economy TV to unlock ocean opportunities

L-R: Founder,Blue Economy Academy, Ubong Essien;General Manager, Lagos State Waterways Authority, Emmanuel Oluwadamilola, and Publisher, JournalNg, Ismail Aniemu, at the launching of the Blue Economy TV in Lagos.

Stanley Ihedigbo

Nigeria has taken a bold step toward harnessing its vast marine resources with the launch of Blue Economy TV (BETV) in Lagos, the first dedicated broadcast platform in Africa focused on driving growth, innovation, and sustainability in the maritime and blue economy sector.

The pioneering initiative, conceived by the Blue Economy Academy, is designed to spotlight opportunities within ocean-based industries while deepening public awareness and policy engagement around the blue economy.

The launch event, held on Monday, attracted major stakeholders across the maritime industry, government representatives, and policy experts, all of whom described the platform as timely and transformative.

Speaking at the unveiling, the General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority, Emmanuel Oluwadamilola, emphasised the immense potential embedded in the state’s waterways and coastal assets.

He noted that Lagos boasts over 180 kilometres of coastline and more than 140 kilometres of inland waterways, forming a strategic corridor that supports over 70 per cent of international trade.

Despite this, he said, the country has only recently begun to fully appreciate the economic value of its maritime domain.

According to him, the launch of BETV represents a turning point in reshaping perceptions about the sector and unlocking opportunities across fisheries, aquaculture, water transportation, tourism, marine services, and coastal development.

Describing the platform as more than just a television channel, Oluwadamilola said it symbolises a broader awakening to the possibilities within Nigeria’s waters.

He added that the initiative would help drive conversations around environmental sustainability, climate resilience, and economic inclusion, while also creating pathways for youth employment, food security, and investment.

“The launch of Blue Economy TV is not just the unveiling of a platform, but the awakening of a consciousness,” he said, stressing that Nigeria’s waters should be seen as “bridges and lifelines” rather than barriers.

Also speaking, the founder of the Blue Economy Academy, Ubong Essien, said the channel was created to deepen awareness and translate knowledge into practical action.

He explained that the Academy, which is approaching its second anniversary, was established with a clear mission to position Nigeria as a thriving blue economy nation by equipping individuals with practical, industry-relevant knowledge.

Essien stressed that the institution prioritises actionable learning, enabling participants to immediately apply knowledge in real-world maritime and ocean-related ventures.

Tracing the origin of BETV to the Academy’s broader vision, he noted that Nigeria’s coastal stretch, from Badagry to Bakassi, holds immense but largely untapped economic potential.

He further distinguished between the traditional maritime sector and the broader blue economy, describing the latter as an interconnected ecosystem that spans commerce, governance, climate, energy, finance, and innovation.

According to him, Lagos is uniquely positioned to emerge as a hub for “blue capital,” given its status as Nigeria’s financial centre and its extensive coastal infrastructure.

Essien explained that BETV would serve as a strategic communication platform to amplify these opportunities through programmes such as Blue Morning Nigeria and Watchers of the Seas, alongside dedicated news and policy-focused content.

He added that the channel would play a critical role in addressing what he described as “sea blindness”, a widespread lack of awareness about the importance and potential of marine resources, by fostering engagement at both grassroots and policy levels.

Calling for collaboration among coastal and inland states, Essien emphasised that the success of the blue economy would depend on collective action, particularly from littoral regions that are directly connected to Nigeria’s waterways.

Stakeholders at the event widely commended the initiative, describing it as a much-needed platform for storytelling, education, and investment promotion within the maritime ecosystem.

With its focus on sustainable development, innovation, and inclusive growth, Blue Economy TV is expected to shape national discourse, influence policy direction, and position Nigeria as a leading player in Africa’s emerging blue economy space.