Lagos Moves To Boost Riverine Women’s Participation In Blue Economy
By Sherif Salau
The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender inclusion in the blue economy, with plans to expand opportunities for women in riverine communities and strengthen their participation in marine and coastal development.
The commitment was highlighted at the inaugural Riverine Women Leaders’ Dialogue 2026, organised by the Blue Lagos Sustainability Initiative at the Ijegun Egba Ferry Terminal in Satellite Town, Oriade Local Council Development Area.
The dialogue, themed “Women’s Participation, Leadership and Inclusion in the Blue Economy,” brought together women leaders from riverine communities across Lagos State to discuss their challenges and explore ways to improve their livelihoods through greater involvement in the blue economy.
Speaking at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Blue Economy, Oluwadamilola Emmanuel, stressed the need to involve women who depend on waterways in decisions affecting their communities.
Emmanuel assured participants that their concerns and recommendations would be documented and forwarded to the appropriate government agencies for consideration, adding that urgent issues would be given priority.
The women raised concerns bordering on waterway safety, access to essential services and economic opportunities in fishing, trading and other water-related activities.
For residents of riverine communities, waterways serve as essential transport routes connecting them to markets, schools, healthcare facilities and workplaces, making safety and infrastructure critical to their daily activities.
Olori Ololade Asani, Woman Leader of Blue Lagos, said the dialogue was designed to provide women leaders with direct access to policymakers and ensure their experiences and concerns inform government interventions.
Also speaking, Saheed Adesanya, Team Lead of Blue Lagos, highlighted existing and proposed programmes aimed at improving healthcare delivery, supporting livelihoods, upgrading water infrastructure and strengthening safety across riverine communities.
As part of the initiative, participants received life jackets, solar torchlights, foodstuffs, branded materials and stipends to support their immediate welfare needs.
The organisers said the engagement was intended to establish a stronger relationship between riverine women and government authorities, creating opportunities for sustained consultations on policies and programmes affecting their communities.
The initiative also seeks to recognise women not merely as beneficiaries of blue economy interventions but as active participants in decision-making, enterprise development and the sustainable management of coastal resources.
However, the effectiveness of the dialogue will ultimately depend on the implementation of the recommendations presented by the participants and the delivery of practical interventions to address their concerns.
The engagement represents a step towards expanding women’s access to economic opportunities and ensuring that communities whose livelihoods depend on Lagos waterways have a stronger voice in the state’s blue economy development plans.
