The launch event, held on Monday, March 23, 2026, in Lagos, drew a mix of government officials, maritime stakeholders, industry experts, and media professionals. The initiative is spearheaded by the Blue Economy Academy, an institution dedicated to advancing practical knowledge and awareness of Nigeria’s vast marine resources.
Speaking at the event, Emmanuel Oluwadamilola, General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) and Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, underscored the strategic significance of Lagos’ waterways. “With over 180 kilometres of coastline and more than 140 kilometres of inland waterways, our state hosts a maritime corridor supporting over 70 per cent of international trade. Yet, for years, the true value of our waters remained largely untapped. Today marks a pivotal shift,” he said.
Oluwadamilola described the launch of BETV as a transformative step in reshaping public perception of the maritime sector. “This platform will spotlight vital sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, water transportation, tourism, sports, and marine services, while fostering discussions around sustainability and climate resilience. Our waters are not barriers—they are bridges; not limits, but lifelines. They hold jobs for our youth, food security, mobility solutions, investment opportunities, and pathways to environmental sustainability.”
He further highlighted the channel’s role in telling underreported stories, uncovering untapped opportunities, and connecting innovative ideas with actionable solutions. “The waters are calling, and through platforms like this, we are finally responding,” Oluwadamilola added.
Founder of the Blue Economy Academy, Ubong Essien, CSP, explained that BETV grew out of a mission to deepen awareness and unlock Nigeria’s marine potential through media and knowledge. Tracing the Academy’s origins as it nears its second year, Essien emphasised a vision of actionable education: “We provide practical, industry-driven knowledge across key blue economy segments. Our philosophy is simple: knowledge you can use. When you come to the Academy, you are empowered to act immediately.”
Essien also clarified the distinction between the traditional maritime industry and the broader blue economy. “The maritime sector is a single industry; the blue economy is an entire ecosystem. It’s time to explore the full range of opportunities embedded within it.” He outlined the Academy’s framework of ten “inclusion buckets,” covering commerce, governance, climate, energy, and finance, noting Lagos’ potential as a centre for “blue capital” in Nigeria.
The television channel, Essien said, would extend the Academy’s vision, using media as a tool to drive policy discussions, public engagement, and national awareness. Programs like Blue Morning Nigeria and Watchers of the Seas, alongside dedicated news content, aim to shape discourse, influence policy, and address what he called “sea blindness”—the widespread underappreciation of maritime resources across all levels of society.
Stakeholders attending the launch lauded BETV as a timely initiative to stimulate investment, promote sustainable development, and elevate Nigeria’s profile in the global blue economy. By combining storytelling, education, and stakeholder engagement, the channel is positioned to become a central platform in advancing Nigeria’s maritime and coastal resource potential.
“Everything we do will be viewed through a blue prism,” Essien concluded. “Our national colour may be green, but it is blue that keeps green alive.”