Africa’s First Blue Economy TV Launches to Drive Growth, Innovation in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector

Blue Economy TV (BETV), a channel dedicated to advancing Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector, has officially launched in Lagos, heralding a new era of specialised broadcasting as the first of its kind in Africa, with a focus on marine resources, policy discussions, shipping, coastal tourism, and other sustainable ocean-based industries.

The launch, which took place on Monday, March 23, 2026, drew key stakeholders in the maritime sector, government officials, and industry experts, and was conceived by the Blue Economy Academy.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Emmanuel Oluwadamilola, highlighted the strategic importance of the state’s maritime assets, noting that its extensive coastline and inland waterways form a vital corridor for trade and economic activity.

“With over 180 kilometres of coastline and over 140 kilometres of inland waterways moving through our communities, we have a maritime corridor that supports over 70 per cent of international trade. Yet, for years, we are only just awakening to the true value of our waters and maritime space. Today marks a significant shift,” he said.

He described the unveiling of BETV as a significant step towards reshaping public perception of the maritime sector and unlocking opportunities embedded within the blue economy.

According to him, the platform is expected to spotlight critical sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, water transportation, tourism, sports, and marine services, while also advancing conversations around environmental sustainability and climate resilience.

“The launch of Blue Economy TV is not just the unveiling of a platform, but the awakening of a consciousness, a realisation that our waters are not barriers, but bridges; not limits, but lifelines; not just scenery, but strategy. Within these waters lie jobs for our youth, food security, mobility solutions, investment opportunities, and pathways to environmental sustainability.

“What we are witnessing today is a signal — a sound that Lagos is ready, and that the blue economy is no longer an idea, but a movement,” Oluwadamilola added.

He further noted that the channel would play a critical role in telling underreported stories, revealing untapped opportunities, and connecting ideas to practical action within the sector.

Commending the Blue Economy Academy for its vision, he urged stakeholders to actively engage with the platform and contribute to the growth of the industry.

“The waters are calling, and through platforms like this, we are finally responding,” he said.

Earlier, founder of Blue Economy Academy, Ubong Essien, CSP, said the Blue Economy TV was driven by the need to deepen awareness and unlock Nigeria’s vast marine potential through media and knowledge.

He traced the origin of the project to the Academy, which he said is approaching its second year, with a clear mission to bring to light what Nigeria is about to exploit to its fullest.

“We have the Blue Economy Academy, an institution designed on the mission to see a Nigeria that prospers by water. That is our mission. That is what drives us. We can’t have so much prosperity from Badagry to Bakassi and not make the most of it,” he said.

Essien explained that the Academy was established to provide practical, industry-driven knowledge across key segments of the blue economy, stressing that its philosophy centres on “knowledge you can use” rather than purely academic learning.

“So when you come to the Blue Economy Academy, you are learning with a view to implementing immediately. All of the knowledge we bring is essential to enable you to act immediately and actualise that vision,” he stated.

Highlighting the broader scope of the blue economy, he distinguished it from the traditional maritime sector, describing it as an ecosystem encompassing multiple industries and opportunities.

“The maritime industry is essentially a sector. The blue economy is an ecosystem. It is now time to explore all of the other elements that make up that ecosystem,” he said.

Essien also outlined the Academy’s framework of ten “inclusion buckets”, covering areas such as commerce, governance, climate, energy, and finance, noting that Lagos, as Nigeria’s financial hub, is well positioned to emerge as a centre for “blue capital”.

On the newly launched television platform, he said it would serve as an extension of the Academy’s vision, using media to drive engagement, policy conversations and national reorientation.

“Everything we will be doing is through a blue prism, until Nigerians realise that we are a blue nation. Our national colour may be green, but it is blue that keeps green alive,” he said.

He added that the channel would feature programmes such as Blue Morning Nigeria and Watchers of the Seas, alongside dedicated news content, all aimed at shaping discourse and influencing policy direction.

Essien further emphasised the strategic role of coastal and water-linked states in advancing the sector, calling for stronger collaboration to overcome what he described as “sea blindness” across all levels of society.

“For the blue economy to succeed, the littoral states must take the lead, and the blue corridor states must also see the value. In the end, what we are trying to do is eliminate sea blindness — at the top and at the bottom,” he said.

Attendees lauded the initiative as a timely platform to promote awareness, investment, and sustainable development within Nigeria’s marine and coastal resources.

Blue Economy TV is expected to serve as a dedicated channel for storytelling, education, and stakeholder engagement, positioning itself as a key driver in advancing Nigeria’s blue economy narrative.