Nigeria unveils Africa’s first blue economy TV

Blue Economy Television, a channel dedicated to advancing Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector, has officially launched in Lagos.

According to a statement on Monday, the development heralds 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, 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, who is also the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Emmanuel Oluwadamilola, highlighted the strategic importance of the state’s maritime assets.

Oluwadamilola noted 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 have only just awakened to the true value of our waters and maritime space. Today marks a significant shift,” Oluwadamilola 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.

Earlier, the Founder of the Blue Economy Academy, Ubong Essien, said BETV 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 with 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.

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.