Lagos will host some of the world’s leading maritime professionals later this month as the 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference brings together policymakers, investors, regulators, energy experts and business leaders to discuss the future of Africa’s maritime and blue economy sectors.

The two-day conference, organised by the Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, is scheduled to hold on 25 and 26 June 2026 at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Organisers say the event comes at a critical time for Africa’s maritime industry as countries seek to strengthen trade, attract investment, improve sustainability and harness opportunities emerging from the blue economy.

Why the Conference Matters

Africa’s maritime sector remains central to international trade, energy transportation and economic development. With global shipping facing increasing pressure to decarbonise operations, embrace digital technologies and improve supply chain resilience, industry leaders say collaboration has become more important than ever.

The conference will bring together stakeholders from Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas to discuss policy, investment and practical solutions for industry challenges.

Experts note that Africa’s blue economy—which includes shipping, ports, fisheries, offshore energy and marine resources—has significant potential to generate jobs, boost trade and support sustainable economic growth if properly developed.

WISTA Nigeria Highlights Strategic Importance

Speaking ahead of the conference, WISTA Nigeria President, , described the gathering as an important platform for shaping the future of Africa’s maritime industry.

“The 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference represents more than a gathering of industry professionals; it is a platform for ideas, partnerships, innovation, and action. As Africa continues to strengthen its position within global trade and maritime development, this conference will spotlight emerging opportunities, encourage regional collaboration, and reinforce Nigeria’s strategic importance within the global maritime value chain.”

According to the association, participants will gain insights into emerging trends and challenges affecting maritime trade, energy transition, taxation, logistics and sustainable development.

Key Topics on the Agenda

Conference sessions will focus on several major themes including:

– Africa’s Blue Economy

– Energy Transition and Sustainability

– Maritime Trade and Investment Opportunities

– Taxation and Regulatory Frameworks

– Innovation and Digital Transformation

– Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion

– Shipping, Logistics and Supply Chain Resilience

Industry observers say these issues are increasingly shaping the competitiveness of African economies and determining how effectively the continent can participate in global trade.

Nigeria’s Growing Maritime Ambitions

The event also highlights Nigeria’s ambition to strengthen its position as a leading maritime hub in Africa.

With major port infrastructure projects, growing regional trade opportunities and increasing investment in maritime services, stakeholders believe Nigeria has an opportunity to play a larger role in shaping Africa’s maritime future.

Hosting the conference is expected to create networking opportunities for businesses, investors and policymakers while showcasing Nigeria’s maritime potential to an international audience.

A Historic Milestone for WISTA Nigeria

The conference carries special significance for WISTA Nigeria as the association marks 32 years of operations.

Founded in 1994, WISTA Nigeria was the first national WISTA association established in Africa and has since become one of the continent’s leading advocates for professional development, gender inclusion and leadership within the maritime industry.

The organisation is part of WISTA International, a global network of women professionals working across shipping, logistics, trading and offshore sectors.

Industry Perspective

Maritime analysts say conferences such as WISTA Africa’s regional gathering have become increasingly important as governments and private-sector stakeholders seek coordinated solutions to shared challenges.

Issues such as port efficiency, climate adaptation, digitalisation and regional trade integration continue to influence the competitiveness of African maritime economies.

The conference is expected to generate discussions that could help shape future policy decisions and investment strategies across the continent.

Registration Now Open

Organisers have opened registration for industry professionals, business leaders, policymakers, investors and other stakeholders interested in participating.

Interested participants can register through the official conference website:

https://8thwistaafricaregionalconference.com/#register

The conference is being held under the theme:

“Policy to Implementation: Building a Sustainable Blue Economy.”

The Federal Government has announced plans to expand Nigeria’s flagship maritime security initiative, the Deep Blue Project, to additional vulnerable coastal and maritime corridors, including the Bakassi Peninsula and Igbokoda.

The move comes as 492 advanced combat personnel completed specialised training under the programme, a development officials say will further strengthen security across Nigeria’s territorial waters and the wider Gulf of Guinea.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, during the 2026 Graduation Ceremony and Capability Presentation of the Deep Blue Project Task Group at the 5th Battalion Army Barracks in Elele, Rivers State.

“Building on the significant strides already made, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is currently evaluating strategic frameworks for the expansion of the Deep Blue Project to further strengthen our maritime security architecture in critical coastal areas such as Igbokoda, Bakassi, and other vulnerable maritime corridors,” Oyetola said.

The minister said the planned expansion is intended to consolidate gains achieved since the project’s launch and improve the country’s ability to combat piracy, armed robbery at sea and other maritime crimes.

Why the Expansion Matters

Nigeria’s maritime sector plays a critical role in international trade, energy exports and economic growth.

For years, the Gulf of Guinea was regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous maritime regions due to piracy attacks and kidnappings of seafarers.

According to Oyetola, before the Deep Blue Project was launched in 2021, the region accounted for nearly 45% of global piracy incidents and more than 90% of crew kidnappings at sea during peak periods.

Government officials say the project has helped reverse that trend through a combination of surveillance technology, specialised vessels, aircraft and trained security personnel.

The minister stated that Nigeria has recorded no piracy incidents within its territorial waters for four consecutive years.

He also said piracy across the Gulf of Guinea has declined by more than 70% during the same period.

Maritime Security Linked to Economic Growth

The Federal Government believes improved maritime security is directly linked to economic development.

Oyetola said safer waterways encourage investment, facilitate trade, boost confidence among shipping operators and support Nigeria’s broader economic objectives.

“Maritime security remains critical to economic growth, trade facilitation, investment promotion and national development,” he said.

Industry analysts have long argued that reducing maritime crime lowers shipping insurance costs, improves port competitiveness and strengthens Nigeria’s position as a regional maritime hub.

The expansion into areas such as Bakassi could also address longstanding security concerns along strategic coastal routes used for commercial and fishing activities.

Nearly 500 Personnel Complete Advanced Training

A key highlight of the event was the graduation of 492 personnel trained to operate various components of the Deep Blue security architecture.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, described the occasion as a demonstration of Nigeria’s growing maritime security capabilities.

“Operational readiness, institutional resilience, and determination to maintain a safe, secure, and economically viable maritime environment,” Mobereola said while describing the significance of the programme.

According to him, the graduates completed 33 specialised training programmes covering multiple operational units.

The personnel include:

– 232 Maritime Security Unit operatives

– 19 armoured vehicle drivers

– 13 armoured vehicle mechanics

– 8 special mission helicopter pilots

– 8 helicopter technicians

– 5 special mission aircraft pilots

– 6 aircraft technicians

– 49 special mission vessel crew members

– 28 interceptor boat mechanics

– 62 interceptor boat drivers

– 52 C4I operators

– 10 unmanned aerial systems operators

Mobereola said participants underwent advanced training in countries including Syria, Italy, Swaziland, Australia and Nigeria.

The programme, he said, exposed personnel to global best practices in maritime security and surveillance operations.

Deep Blue Assets on Display

Officials showcased a range of security assets deployed under the Deep Blue Project.

These include:

– Two special mission surveillance aircraft

– Two special mission helicopters

– Two deep-sea patrol vessels

– Eight unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)

– Sixteen fast interceptor boats

– Fifteen armoured coastal patrol vehicles

The ceremony also featured the commissioning of a new UAV Workshop and Training Centre, tactical demonstrations and inspections of operational equipment.

Industry Perspective

Maritime security experts say sustaining investment in surveillance, personnel training and rapid response systems will be essential to maintaining recent gains.

Stakeholders within the shipping industry have repeatedly highlighted the importance of security improvements in attracting foreign investment and reducing risks for international shipping companies operating in Nigerian waters.

Analysts also note that continued collaboration between NIMASA, the Armed Forces and other security agencies will be critical as maritime threats evolve.

What Happens Next?

The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy says it is currently evaluating strategic frameworks for the next phase of the Deep Blue Project.

If approved, the expansion could see additional security infrastructure, surveillance systems and operational assets deployed across vulnerable coastal regions, particularly in Bakassi and other high-risk maritime corridors.

Officials say the objective is to ensure that maritime security gains are sustained while supporting Nigeria’s ambitions to grow its blue economy.

Nigeria and Liberia have renewed their commitment to stronger maritime cooperation, with both countries seeking deeper collaboration in maritime administration, safety, capacity development and trade promotion across Africa.

The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, made the commitment during a meeting with Liberia’s Honorary Consul in Lagos, Mr Dapo Akinosun (SAN), at the agency’s headquarters.

The discussions focused on expanding regional maritime partnerships, developing human capacity and unlocking opportunities within Africa’s growing Blue Economy.

Why it matters

Africa’s maritime sector plays a critical role in trade, employment, transportation and economic development. Experts say stronger cooperation among coastal nations could help improve maritime safety, boost trade efficiency and create jobs for young people across the continent.

Nigeria, home to some of West Africa’s busiest ports, has increasingly positioned itself as a leader in regional maritime development.

Speaking during the meeting, Dr Mobereola said closer collaboration between African nations is necessary to maximize the continent’s maritime potential.

“The time has come for African nations to upscale maritime collaboration. The partnership between Nigeria and Liberia will help us build capacity, strengthen regional cooperation, and create opportunities for African youths within the global maritime industry.”

He also emphasized the importance of practical training and professional exposure for future maritime professionals.

“We must collectively build maritime capacity beyond borders. Sea-time training and practical exposure will position Nigerian and African youths to compete effectively in the international maritime space.”

Nigeria appreciates Liberia’s IMO support

Dr Mobereola also acknowledged Liberia’s support for Nigeria’s successful election to the Category C seat of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), describing it as evidence of the productive relationship both countries have maintained over the years.

The IMO is the United Nations agency responsible for regulating international shipping, maritime safety and environmental standards.

Industry observers say cooperation among African maritime administrations could strengthen the continent’s influence within global shipping and maritime policy discussions.

Liberia seeks deeper collaboration

Earlier, Liberia’s Honorary Consul, Mr Dapo Akinosun (SAN), said his visit aimed to reinforce the longstanding relationship between both countries and explore additional opportunities for maritime cooperation.

He described the maritime industry as a strategic driver of economic growth, regional integration and Blue Economy development.

Akinosun also praised NIMASA’s efforts to reposition Nigeria’s maritime sector for sustainable growth and investment.

“Nigeria has demonstrated genuine commitment to maritime partnership and regional growth. Liberia looks forward to deeper collaboration with NIMASA in maritime administration, safety, capacity development, and trade promotion for the advancement of Africa’s Blue Economy.”

Industry perspective

Maritime stakeholders have consistently advocated stronger regional partnerships to address challenges such as inadequate training opportunities, maritime insecurity, infrastructure gaps and regulatory harmonization.

Analysts note that enhanced cooperation between Nigeria and Liberia could facilitate knowledge exchange, improve maritime governance and support the implementation of continental initiatives under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

What happens next?

While no specific bilateral agreements were announced during the meeting, both sides signalled a willingness to deepen cooperation in maritime education, safety regulation, trade facilitation and workforce development.

Industry experts expect further engagements between maritime authorities from both countries in the coming months as Africa seeks to expand its Blue Economy and strengthen regional integration.