Nigeria has officially launched Blue Economy Television in Lagos, a channel focused on growing the country’s maritime and blue economy sector.
The launch marks the start of a dedicated broadcast platform, the first of its kind in Africa. The channel will focus on marine resources, policy conversations, shipping, coastal tourism, and other ocean-based industries.
Stakeholders from across the maritime sector, along with government officials and industry experts, attended the launch event on Monday. The Blue Economy Academy developed the initiative.
At the event, Emmanuel Oluwadamilola, General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority and Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, spoke about the importance of Lagos’ maritime assets.
He pointed out that the state’s long coastline and inland waterways play a key role in trade and economic activity.
He explained that Lagos has over 180 kilometres of coastline and more than 140 kilometres of inland waterways connecting communities. These waterways support over 70 per cent of international trade, yet the country has only recently started to fully recognise their value.
Oluwadamilola said the launch of BETV will help change how people see the maritime sector and open up more opportunities within the blue economy.
He added that the platform will highlight areas like fisheries, aquaculture, water transport, tourism, sports, and marine services, while also encouraging discussions around sustainability and climate resilience.
He described the channel as more than just a media platform, saying it represents a shift in how people view the country’s waters. According to him, these waters can support jobs, improve food security, provide transport solutions, attract investment, and contribute to environmental sustainability.
Earlier, Ubong Essien, Founder of the Blue Economy Academy, said the idea behind BETV is to increase awareness and help Nigeria make better use of its marine resources through knowledge and media.
He explained that the project started within the academy, which is nearing its second year, with a clear goal to help Nigeria fully explore and benefit from its maritime potential.
Essien said the academy was created to offer practical, industry-focused knowledge across different parts of the blue economy, with an emphasis on learning that can be applied immediately.
He added that the academy focuses on giving people useful knowledge they can act on right away to turn ideas into real outcomes.
source:punchng.com
African Maritime Council