Our waterways, boost for economic growth – Sanwo-Olu
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu (third from left), with other stakeholders at the African Blue Economy Summit held in Lagos on Friday, October 3, 2025. | Credit: X (@jidesanwoolu)
Our waterways, boost for economic growth – Sanwo-Olu
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Friday, said that the city’s waterways are the important foundation for its future economic growth, job creation, and climate change resilience.
While speaking at the African Blue Economy Summit held in Lagos, the governor emphasised the dual role of the ocean and inland waters as both a profound heritage and a massive source of opportunity for the state.
In a statement posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, the governor encapsulated this vision, “The ocean is not just our heritage, it is our opportunity for jobs, innovation, transport, and resilience against climate change.”
He noted that the recent hosting of the E1 Lagos GP, Africa’s first all-electric powerboat championship, served as a powerful demonstration of how the water can inspire “not only sport and entertainment, but also big ideas in technology and sustainability.”
The championship, which focuses on electric propulsion and clean energy, directly aligns with the state’s environmental and innovation goals.
The governor confirmed that the state is already backing its vision with significant resources.
“Lagos is ready to lead Africa in building a blue economy that works for people today and protects the planet for tomorrow.
“Our investments in water transport, maritime infrastructure, and climate adaptation are only the beginning,” he stated.
Addressing policymakers, investors, and international stakeholders at the event, which ran concurrently with the E1 Lagos GP championship, Sanwo-Olu positioned Lagos as a continental leader ready to transform its marine assets into sustainable prosperity.
The governor highlighted that the shift towards a blue economy is critical for the coastal city’s long-term viability, moving beyond traditional economic models to leverage its aquatic splendour for modern solutions.
The summit concluded with a shared acknowledgement from regional and global voices that Lagos is fast emerging as a key hub for innovation and sustainability on the African continent, paving the way for the continent’s natural capital to become a source of shared prosperity.
