BY JUMOKE OWOOLA and LAIDE ADESANYA
The Federal and Lagos State Governments on Thursday reaffirmed their commitments to harness the potential of the blue economy for sustainable growth and job creation. Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu also launched the Climate Investment Opportunities Diagnostic (CIOD), a document aimed at bridging the gap between urgent environmental priorities and providing tangible investment pathways needed to build a resilient, low‑carbon future for all residents.
Speaking at the 11th Lagos International Climate Change Summit themed “The Blue Economy, Green Money: Financing Africa’s Coastal Resilience and Ocean Innovation,” Sanwo‑Olu said, “the discussions at the summit are not just peripheral but pivotal.” He added that the state government’s approach to the climate era is anchored on three interconnected pillars: Resilience, Innovation and Financing. “We are building coastal resilience to protect lives and livelihoods. We are driving ocean innovation to re‑imagine commerce and mobility. And we are unlocking green and blue finance to power both.”
He highlighted the Great Wall of Lagos, one of Africa’s most ambitious coastal‑defence systems, which has transformed a potential Atlantic wasteland into the thriving Eko Atlantic City. “What was once threatened by erosion now stands as a beacon of renewal,” Sanwo‑Olu stated. He also spoke of the Omi‑Èkó Initiative, a low‑carbon water‑transport network powered by partnerships with the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Investment Bank (EIB), featuring clean‑energy ferries and solar‑powered infrastructure.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, represented by NIMASA Director‑General Dayo Mobereola, said, “Nigeria’s coastline and inland waterways form one of West Africa’s most strategic frontiers. Supporting vital sectors such as fisheries, shipping, tourism, energy and biodiversity conservation ; they collectively have the potential to redefine Nigeria’s growth model. It presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to transition from oil dependency to a diversified, innovation‑driven and environmentally‑resilient economy. The establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 marked a major policy breakthrough under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” He added that the ministry has implemented wide‑ranging reforms to strengthen governance and position Nigeria as a continental leader in sustainable maritime development.
Earlier, State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources Tokunbo Wahab said, “Lagos sees opportunity. With this summit we have the chance to redefine our relationship with the ocean, not as a resource to be exploited but as a living system to be nurtured — one that sustains both our people and our planet. The blue economy represents more than just water‑based industries; it embodies a new frontier for sustainable prosperity.”
Wahab noted that the Governor officially launched Lagos’ latest policy document, the Climate Investment Opportunities Diagnostic. “This landmark document serves as a vital bridge between our urgent environmental priorities and the tangible investment pathways needed to build a resilient, low‑carbon future for all Lagosians. It reflects our commitment to turning climate ambition into action, and action into lasting impact. Lagos recognises that our challenges transcend borders. Other coastal African cities face similar vulnerabilities. This is why we must work together, sharing data, expertise and resources to build a united African front for coastal resilience. The future of our coastlines depends on the decisions we make today.” He concluded
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