Federal Government on Monday began the understudy of the Lagos State Government Blue Economy project.
The understudy is being carried out by the participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC 57) of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Plateau State.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the study tour at Ikeja, Mrs Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, said steps had been taken to harness the potential of the Blue Economy in an inclusive, innovative and sustainable manner.
The theme of the study tour is: “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Prospects.”
Salu-Hundeyin said the theme of the tour spoke directly to the heart of Lagos’ development and aspirations as a coastal megacity and Centre of Excellence.
According to her, Lagos is blessed with over 180 kilometres of coastline, vast lagoons, creeks, and a thriving population of over 25 million inhabitants that depend on water-based resources for commerce, mobility, livelihood, and recreation.
“The Blue Economy, therefore, is not an abstract concept for us. It is a living and breathing part of our present and strategic future.
Under Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s THEMES PLUS Agenda, we have taken bold and practical steps to harness the potential of the Blue Economy in a manner that is inclusive, innovative, and sustainable.
“Some of our key achievements include the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which was inaugurated in 2023.
“It is West Africa’s most advanced deep-sea port, easing congestion in Apapa, attracting international maritime trade, and positioning Lagos as a logistics hub.
“Through our Lagos State Waterways Authority, we have expanded ferry services, constructed modern jetties, enforced water safety regulations, and strengthened marine emergency response under the State’s Inland Waterway Transportation,” she said.
Salu-Hundeyin said that this had greatly eased transportation system as it had created an alternative route for the people leaving across the water, improved the economy and manpower, and joined families together in a closer unit.
She said the ferry service, popularly called ‘Omi-Eko’ connected more communities daily, thus reducing traffic gridlock and contributing to carbon reduction goals.
Salu-Hundeyin said the government had invested heavily in shoreline defence projects, especially in erosion-prone areas like Lekki and Badagry, to safeguard assets and communities from the effects of climate change.
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