Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to harnessing the State’s waterways for innovation, growth, and long-term prosperity through the development of a sustainable blue economy.
Speaking at the African Blue Economy Summit: Lagos 2025 with the theme “Harnessing Africa’s Blue Natural Capital for Sustainable Growth,” held at Azuri Towers, Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, on Friday, the Governor said Lagos State is committed to using the E1 Lagos GP championship, which the State is currently hosting, to build climate change ecosystems that are bigger and bolder. According to him, this will help create leaders in economy, entertainment, innovation and technology while providing an electrifying environment.
Sanwo-Olu emphasised Lagos’ resolve to integrate sustainability, climate adaptation and economic development into its long-term vision. He explained that Lagos is uniquely positioned to lead Africa in sustainable marine development, citing ongoing investments in water transport, maritime infrastructure and climate adaptation projects as part of the vision for sustainable growth and environmental protection.
Also speaking at the summit, the Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, described the economic gathering as a vital platform to harness Africa’s marine resources for prosperity and inclusive growth. He said the State Government is already investing in community-driven climate initiatives and major infrastructure projects to unlock opportunities in the maritime economy.
Osiyemi noted that the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu is collectively committed to building an avenue to design an environment for a united future and to invest in infrastructure that will tap opportunities in the waterways. He described the waterways as a unique platform to attract strategic investment and advance sustainable maritime opportunities.
In his remarks, the President of the Didier Drogba Foundation, Didier Drogba, described the blue economy summit as a matter of survival. He said Lagos State has shown leadership in the global economy as a symbol of how technology, entertainment and innovation could be harnessed for transformation. Drogba emphasised that the focus is to ensure that youths can protect, innovate, thrive and align their future.
Drogba, an Ivory Coast-born former African Footballer of the Year and ex-Chelsea striker, expressed his pride and happiness to be in Lagos. He praised the successful hosting of the E1 Lagos GP, calling it the fulfilment of a long-held dream. “I am very proud and happy to be in Lagos, because bringing the E1 race to Africa has always been our dream, and Nigeria has proven that it is possible,” he said.
The co-Founder and Chairman of the E1 Series, Alejandro Agag, also commended Lagos State for its efficiency and commitment to sustainable transportation. He lauded the efforts of the State in successfully hosting the electric boat racing competition. Agag noted that the E1 Lagos GP competition would mark the beginning of great things to happen in Nigeria, urging the Lagos State Government and partners to support the game for the next five years.
The summit was attended by key stakeholders and global leaders, including the Director-General of the National Council on Climate Change, Omotenioye Majekodunmi, who spoke on mangrove restoration, climate change, maritime infrastructure and strategic investments for sustainable development.
Speakers at the summit commended the Lagos State Government for its leadership role in advancing climate resilience, sustainable energy, and innovation in Africa. With stakeholders from across the continent and beyond, the summit reinforced Lagos’ growing profile as a hub for sustainability, global partnerships, and forward-looking economic development.
