By Abbas Nazil
Delta State government has embarked on a strategic course towards harnessing its rural infrastructure and transport networks to unlock the full potential of its inland and coastal water resources.
This was revealed during a joint ministerial briefing at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat in Asaba, where the State Commissioner for Works (Rural and Public Information), Mr. Charles Aniagwu outlined the Oborevwori administration’s vision before members of the Senior Executive Course 47 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), led by retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police Adeleye Oyebade.
Themed “Blue Economy and Sustainable Development in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges and Opportunities,” the session highlighted the economic, social, and environmental benefits of Delta’s evolving blue economy strategy.
Aniagwu, joined by Commissioners Mr. Onoriode Agofure (Transport), Mr. Ejiro Jamani (Environment), and Mr. Peter Uvuejitobor (Oil and Gas), emphasized the state’s geographic advantage, including over 500 kilometers of navigable waterways and an extensive Atlantic coastline.
He described Delta’s aquatic wealth as a “strategic asset” that the government is committed to developing through deliberate investment and infrastructure expansion.
Key projects already underway include the construction and rehabilitation of critical rural and riverine roads such as the Ogheye Floating Market access roads in Warri North, the Ohoror/Bomadi/Gbaregolor road in Bomadi, and the Trans-Warri-Ode Itsekiri road network comprising 15 bridges.
Ongoing construction of the Ayakoromo Bridge in Burutu and rigid pavement roads in Warri South-West are also central to connecting isolated communities to economic hubs.
Aniagwu explained that the state’s development blueprint extends beyond physical infrastructure.
He said efforts are being made to empower rural populations, particularly women and youth, through capacity building in aquaculture, logistics, tourism, and marine services.
The government is also investing in clean energy solutions such as solar-powered cold storage, improved jetties, and digital infrastructure to scale small producers’ market access.
According to Aniagwu, the blue economy is not just about fisheries or tourism.
“It is a framework for climate resilience, poverty reduction, and inclusive economic growth,” he stated.
He said the integration of rural roads, jetties, cold-chain logistics and digital tools would unlock the full potential of aquatic resources, especially for historically underserved communities.
Environmentally, the state is advancing clean transport systems, mangrove restoration, and sustainable resource management to protect fragile ecosystems and strengthen community resilience.
Socially, the approach promotes local ownership, supports indigenous knowledge, and enhances women’s participation in trade and fisheries.
Aniagwu called for national collaboration and proposed the designation of Delta State as a pilot “Blue Corridor” from 2026 to test integrated blue economy initiatives.
He also advocated for federal support in inland waterway dredging, deployment of cleaner transport technologies, and improved cold-chain systems.
He recommended the creation of a joint Blue Economy and Inland Water Transport Taskforce to harmonize efforts across federal and state lines.
Responding, NIPSS team leader Oyebade commended the Delta State Government for its establishment of the Ogheye Floating Market and urged it to further leverage its Atlantic frontage for blue economy investments.
Aniagwu concluded that Delta is not only positioning itself as a regional hub for aquatic-based development but also as a replicable model for other coastal and riverine states across Nigeria.