Abuja Blue Economy Development Project (ABEDP)
Building Prosperity from Our Waters
The Abuja Blue Economy Development Project (ABEDP) is a proposed 24-month initiative designed to position the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a leading model for sustainable inland Blue Economy development in Nigeria.
While the Blue Economy is often associated with coastal states and the ocean, inland waters also offer significant opportunities for economic growth, food security, job creation, tourism and climate resilience.
For Abuja, the opportunity is already within reach.
The FCT is home to important water resources, including Usuma Dam, Gurara Dam, Jabi Lake, rivers and wetlands. These assets have the potential to support thriving economic activities but remain largely underutilised and face growing challenges from pollution, poor management and environmental degradation.
The Opportunity
The African Union identifies the Blue Economy as a major frontier for Africa’s economic development. ABEDP seeks to translate this opportunity into practical action by harnessing Abuja’s inland water resources for sustainable and inclusive growth.
The project will bring together government institutions, private investors, local communities, development partners and other stakeholders to develop a coordinated approach to managing and benefiting from the FCT’s water assets.
Key Objectives
ABEDP will focus on six strategic areas:
1. Policy and Coordination
Develop an FCT Blue Economy Policy and establish a dedicated coordination desk to drive implementation, partnerships and investment.
2. Clean and Healthy Waters
Launch the “Clean Abuja Waters” campaign to improve the environmental health of lakes, dams, rivers and drainage systems while promoting responsible waste management.
3. Food Security and Job Creation
Develop climate-smart aquaculture clusters and support communities living around the FCT’s waterways to participate in sustainable fisheries and other water-based economic activities.
4. Tourism and Waterfront Development
Support the redevelopment of the Jabi Lake waterfront as a sustainable tourism and recreation destination, while establishing an Annual Abuja Blue Economy Summit to attract investors, policymakers and industry stakeholders.
5. Blue Skills Development
Establish a Blue Skills Academy to equip young people and women with practical skills in areas such as aquaculture, ecotourism, waste-to-energy and other emerging Blue Economy opportunities.
6. Data and Monitoring
Develop a comprehensive inventory of the FCT’s water resources and establish a Blue Economy Monitoring Dashboard to support evidence-based planning, investment and environmental management.
Expected Impact
If effectively implemented, ABEDP could contribute to:
- The creation of 10,000 or more jobs across aquaculture, tourism, waste management and related sectors.
- Cleaner waterways and improved environmental management.
- Reduced flooding and greater climate resilience.
- Increased local fish production and improved food security.
- New tourism and investment opportunities for the FCT.
- Greater participation of young people and women in the Blue Economy.
- A practical and replicable model for sustainable inland Blue Economy development in cities across Nigeria.
A Model for Inland Blue Economy Development
The Abuja Blue Economy Development Project presents an opportunity to demonstrate that the Blue Economy is not exclusively a coastal proposition.
With the right policies, investment, partnerships and environmental safeguards, inland cities can also build productive economies around their water resources while protecting those resources for future generations.
Abuja has the water assets. The opportunity now is to turn them into sustainable economic value.
From Jabi to Usuma: Building Prosperity from Our Waters.
Signed:
Medina Dauda Nadabo
Director, Communications & Public Affairs
