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Delta Unveils New Blue Economy Project to Boost Food, Jobs 
Oluwaseyi Awokunle | 16th July 2025

Delta State has announced plans to transform its inland and coastal water resources through an ambitious blue economy initiative to boost food systems, empower rural communities, and drive sustainable development.

The State Commissioner for Works (Rural) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, made this known at a joint ministerial briefing in Asaba, alongside members of the Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), led by retired DIG Adeleye Oyebade.

Aniagwu said Delta State has over 500 kilometres of waterways and access to the Atlantic Ocean, which will give it a strategic edge to grow its blue economy.

 He also said the government’s plan involves strengthening rural infrastructure, especially roads, jetties, cold-chain storage, and digital access, for smallholder farmers and fisherfolk to participate more actively in trade and markets.

“Our waterways must become drivers of opportunity, prosperity and environmental sustainability, not barriers to progress,” he said.

The Commissioner highlighted several ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Ogheye Floating Market, the Ayakoromo Bridge in Burutu, and the Trans-Warri-Ode Itsekiri road network, which features 15 bridges, as well as jetty upgrades. These, he explained, aim to link remote communities to bigger market hubs.

“These include the Ogheye Floating Market and access roads in Warri North, Ohoror/Bomadi/Gbaregolor road in Bomadi, and the Trans-Warri-Ode Itsekiri road network,” Aniagwu added.

Aniagwu emphasised that Delta’s blue economy plan extends beyond transportation, it also includes training farmers and youth in aquaculture, tourism, logistics, and cold-chain operations. 

Solar-powered cold storage systems are being introduced to reduce postharvest losses and expand market access.

“By strengthening cooperatives, enhancing ICT access, and integrating renewable energy solutions such as solar-powered cold storage, the state is helping small-scale producers to scale their operations and connect with broader markets,” he said.

The State’s strategy also aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, which focuses on meaningful development, opportunities, reforms, and enhanced security.

Aniagwu urged the federal government to support Delta’s blue economy plans by investing in clean transport, dredging inland waterways, and logistics infrastructure. 

He also proposed designating Delta as Nigeria’s first “Blue Corridor” from 2026 to test integrated blue economy programmes.

The event brought together representatives from the Ministries of Transport, Environment, and Oil and Gas, including Mr. Onoriode Agofure, Mr. Ejiro Jamani, and Mr. Peter Uvuejitobor.

Commending the Delta Government, DIG Oyebade praised the establishment of the Ogheye Floating Market and noted that with the proper support, Delta could become a significant hub for blue economy activities in Nigeria.

Source: This Day
Image credit: Gov Business Journal