Lagos Pioneers Blue Economy with Sustainable Growth and Environmental Initiatives
July 15, 2025
Lagos is prioritizing shoreline defense investments, especially in erosion-prone areas like Lekki and Badagry, to protect communities from climate change impacts.
Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, the Secretary to the Lagos State Government, highlighted the importance of the Blue Economy for Lagos, a coastal megacity with over 180 kilometers of shoreline and a population exceeding 25 million, emphasizing its potential to support sustainable growth.
Lagos State is actively pursuing a comprehensive Blue Economy strategy, emphasizing sustainable development, environmental protection, and social inclusion, with a formal policy framework currently under development.
NIPSS officials, including Mrs. Nima Salman-Mann, emphasized that the Blue Economy has the potential to diversify Nigeria’s revenue beyond oil, offering significant economic opportunities.
On July 14, 2025, a study of Lagos' Blue Economy project was initiated by participants of Nigeria's Senior Executive Course from NIPSS, aiming to gather insights for national policy development.
Participants of the study tour are encouraged to identify challenges such as regulatory harmony, intergovernmental collaboration, and funding mechanisms to inform effective policy recommendations.
Under Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu's THEMES PLUS Agenda, Lagos has made significant strides in Blue Economy initiatives, including the 2023 inauguration of the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which has enhanced logistics and international trade.
The Lagos State Waterways Authority has expanded ferry services, improved water safety, and constructed modern jetties, greatly easing transportation, reducing traffic congestion, and supporting the Blue Economy.
The state's ferry services, known as 'Omi-Eko,' have improved connectivity across waterways, contributing to reduced traffic and supporting environmental goals by lowering carbon emissions.
In response to urban housing demands, Lagos has collaborated with private developers to develop waterfront estates, boosting real estate and hospitality sectors.
Lagos is developing a formal Blue Economy policy framework to align economic growth with environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
The government is promoting marine and coastal tourism through partnerships with the private sector, aiming to create entrepreneurial opportunities and enhance cultural experiences.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources

EnviroNews - latest environment news, climate change, renewable energy • Jul 14, 2025
Govt begins understudy of Lagos’ Blue Economy
Worldstage • Jul 14, 2025
NIPSS scholars begin understudy of Lagos’ Blue Economy