Delta State is taking deliberate and strategic steps to harness its abundant aquatic resources and geographical advantages, paving the way for an inclusive and sustainable blue economy. With over 500 kilometers of navigable waterways and a vast Atlantic coastline, the state is well-positioned to become a model for coastal and riverine development in Nigeria.
At a recent ministerial joint briefing held at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat in Asaba, the Delta State Government unveiled its transformative blueprint to participants of the Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), led by retired DIG Adeleye Oyebade. Themed “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities,” the event showcased Delta’s pioneering vision for harnessing inland and coastal water resources to drive economic growth, environmental protection, and social inclusion.
Unlocking the Potential of Water-Based Assets
It is noteworthy that blue economy is more than just fisheries and tourism. “It is a framework for building climate resilience, reducing poverty, and fostering inclusive economic participation,” he noted.
Delta’s water systems—rivers, creeks, and ocean access—are a “strategic advantage” that had long remained underutilized. Under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s leadership, however, the state is determined to reverse this trend through bold, multi-sectoral investments aimed at integrating rural and riverine communities into the mainstream economy.
Rural Infrastructure as the Bedrock
A central component of Delta’s strategy is its commitment to rural infrastructure development. The state is investing heavily in road construction and rehabilitation in traditionally marginalized areas. Key projects include
Ogheye Floating Market and access roads (Warri North)
Ohoror/Bomadi/Gbaregolor Road (Bomadi LGA)
Trans-Warri-Ode Itsekiri Road Network featuring 15 bridges
Ayakoromo Bridge (Burutu LGA)
Rigid pavement roads (Warri South-West LGA)
These infrastructure projects aim to open up hard-to-reach communities, enabling the movement of goods and people while reducing travel time and costs.
In addition to roads, Delta State is expanding its water transport infrastructure, building and upgrading jetties to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally sustainable transportation across its waterways—still the primary mode of travel for many rural dwellers.
Empowering People, Not Just Building Roads
Infrastructure alone is not enough. The Delta State Government is complementing its physical projects with human capacity development—particularly for women and youth—through training in aquaculture, tourism, marine logistics, and other water-based livelihoods.
Initiatives include:
Strengthening cooperatives
Expanding access to ICT and digital markets
Introducing solar-powered cold storage and renewable energy systems
These efforts empower small-scale producers, enhance their competitiveness, and integrate them into broader value chains.
Aligned with the M.O.R.E Agenda
This vision ties directly into Governor Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E Agenda, which emphasizes:
Meaningful development
Opportunities for all
Realistic reforms
Enhanced peace and security
Through integrated infrastructure, Delta expects to unlock wide-ranging impacts:
Economic: Boost trade, lower costs, attract investment, and create jobs
Social: Increase community ownership, women’s participation, and preserve local knowledge
Environmental: Promote clean energy, mangrove restoration, and sustainable resource management
Toward a National Model
Looking ahead, Delta State is advocating for greater national collaboration. The government has proposed:
Designating Delta as a pilot “Blue Corridor” by 2026
Creating a dedicated Blue Economy and Inland Water Transport Taskforce
Securing federal support for dredging, transport innovation, and logistics
The State government is ready to work with the Federal Government, development agencies, and the private sector to turn aquatic resources into engines of sustainable development.
> “Our waterways must become drivers of opportunity, prosperity, and environmental sustainability—not barriers to progress,” Aniagwu declared.
National Commendation
DIG Adeleye Oyebade, mni, who led the visiting NIPSS team, commended the Delta State Government for its innovative projects like the Ogheye Floating Market and encouraged the state to attract more investments by leveraging its Atlantic coastline and blue economy vision.
Conclusion
With strategic planning, inclusive policies, and well-coordinated infrastructure investments, Delta State is not just building roads and jetties, it is building a future. One where its rivers and coasts become powerful enablers of economic prosperity, environmental stewardship, and human development.
Delta’s bold leap into the blue economy could soon serve as a blueprint for the rest of Nigeria.
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