The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, is expected to declare open the Board of Directors meeting of the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) in Lagos.

The three-day meeting, scheduled for 18–20 May 2026 and hosted by the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), will bring together maritime administrators, port executives and policymakers from across West and Central Africa.

The gathering comes at a time when African ports are under increasing pressure to improve cargo efficiency, strengthen supply chains and compete with emerging global trade hubs.

Why the meeting matters

Organisers say discussions will focus on the future of ports in the region under the theme: “Ports of the Future: Combining Logistical Resilience with Inclusive Community Development.”

Delegates are expected to deliberate on infrastructure upgrades, maritime security, regional trade connectivity and ways to ensure port expansion benefits surrounding communities.

Industry analysts say the outcomes could shape future trade policies and maritime investments across the sub-region, particularly as African countries push to maximise opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Ports in West and Central Africa remain critical gateways for imports, exports and regional commerce, but many continue to face challenges linked to congestion, ageing infrastructure and security concerns.

NPA highlights strategic role of ports

Ahead of the meeting, Managing Director of the NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho, described the event as an important platform for strengthening maritime cooperation in the region.

Dantsoho, who is also the first Nigerian to serve as President of PMAWCA, said the gathering would help reinforce the role of ports in economic development and global trade.

“The meeting affords us all, as Chief Executives and stakeholders, the platform to reiterate the pivotal role that ports play in shaping the future of humanity,” he said.

He added that ports remain vital economic gateways connecting nations to international markets.

“With ports serving as gateways of prosperity and linking nations to the international community, their demonstrated leadership in advancing sustainable development goals cannot be overemphasized,” he added.

According to him, resilient and efficient ports are becoming increasingly important to sustaining global economic activity, especially within West and Central Africa.

Dantsoho also assured delegates of a conducive environment for productive discussions capable of generating policies that could strengthen regional maritime collaboration.

Regional trade and logistics in focus

The meeting is expected to feature technical sessions on port security, infrastructure financing, digital transformation and future-ready logistics systems.

Maritime stakeholders say improving coordination among ports in the region could help reduce trade bottlenecks and lower shipping costs for businesses and consumers.

Experts also believe stronger cooperation could improve competitiveness for African ports amid rising global demand for faster and more secure cargo movement.

Nigeria’s hosting of the meeting further reinforces its growing influence within the regional maritime sector following its hosting of the 43rd PMAWCA Annual Council and Managing Directors’ Roundtable in 2023.

What’s next

Deliberations are also expected to include reviews of PMAWCA midterm committee activities and broader discussions on strengthening collaboration among member ports.

Observers say recommendations from the meeting could influence future regional maritime strategies, infrastructure investments and trade facilitation policies.

The Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN) has congratulated Mr. Sylvanus Obasi following his election as Vice President of the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), describing his emergence as a reflection of his longstanding contributions to the maritime industry and journalism profession.

In a statement jointly signed by MAAN President, Jean Chiazor-Anishere, and Secretary, Foluke Akinmoladun, the association praised Obasi’s professional record, citing his commitment to maritime reporting, youth mentorship, capacity development, and gender advocacy within the sector.

The association said his election highlights the growing importance of informed and professional journalism in Nigeria’s maritime industry, a sector critical to trade, shipping, and economic development.

Why Obasi’s Election Matters

According to MAAN, Obasi has built a reputation as a knowledgeable maritime journalist whose reporting has helped shape discussions around transparency, accountability, and policy development in the industry.

The association stated that his engagement with stakeholders across the maritime ecosystem has “significantly enriched discourse within the maritime community.”

Industry observers say leadership changes within MARAN are closely watched because the association plays a major role in shaping public understanding of developments in Nigeria’s ports, shipping, logistics, and marine economy.

Nigeria’s maritime sector remains central to the country’s non-oil revenue ambitions, with industry experts increasingly calling for stronger collaboration between journalists, regulators, legal professionals, and private operato

MAAN Seeks Deeper Collaboration With MARAN

MAAN also used the statement to reaffirm its relationship with MARAN, noting that both bodies have maintained cordial and professional ties over the years.

The association expressed optimism that Obasi’s new role could strengthen collaboration between both organisations in advancing shared industry goals, particularly around professional development and sectoral reforms.

“As a foremost professional body committed to the advancement of maritime arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, MAAN looks forward to sustaining and deepening the cordial relationship existing between the two esteemed associations in pursuit of mutual professional and industry objectives,” the statement read.

The association further wished Obasi and the newly elected MARAN executive team, led by Oluyinka Onigbinde, a successful tenure.

Industry Perspective

Maritime analysts say closer cooperation between industry media groups and arbitration professionals could help improve awareness of dispute resolution mechanisms in the sector, especially as Nigeria seeks to attract more investment into shipping and port infrastructure.

Stakeholders also believe credible maritime journalism remains essential for accountability and public confidence in reforms affecting ports, customs operations, freight systems, and regional trade integration.

What’s Next for MARAN?

With a new executive in place, attention is expected to shift toward how MARAN engages regulators, shipping operators, terminal managers, and policymakers on key industry concerns.

Observers say issues such as port efficiency, trade facilitation, maritime security, and investment transparency are likely to remain high on the association’s agenda.

The Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria (WISTA Nigeria) has re-elected Dr Odunayo Ani as its president during its 2026 Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Lagos on April 30.

The meeting brought together maritime professionals, logistics stakeholders, and industry leaders to review progress and outline priorities for the coming year.

Dr Ani, who also serves as Director of Finance at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), was returned alongside a newly constituted executive committee.

Why it matters

The re-election signals continuity in leadership at a time when Nigeria’s maritime sector is pushing for greater global competitiveness and gender inclusion.

Industry observers say WISTA Nigeria has increasingly become a key platform for advancing women’s participation in shipping, logistics, and the broader blue economy.

The association’s decisions could influence policy discussions, professional development, and regional collaboration across Africa’s maritime ecosystem.

Members back leadership after ‘impactful’ first term

The outcome of the election reflects strong confidence from members following what was described as an impactful first tenure.

During that period, WISTA Nigeria recorded institutional growth, strengthened partnerships, and increased its global visibility within the maritime industry.

Members also reviewed and adopted the association’s financial reports at the AGM, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and accountability.

President highlights achievements

In her address, Dr Ani outlined key milestones from her previous term, including closer collaboration with WISTA International and increased participation of Nigerian members in global committees.

She also pointed to advocacy efforts supporting women in coastal communities and the successful celebration of the association’s 30th anniversary.

“We are deeply honoured by the trust reposed in us,” Dr Ani said.

“Our priority remains to elevate the role of women in the maritime industry while strengthening WISTA Nigeria as a platform for professional excellence, collaboration, and impact.”

New executive team announced

The newly elected executive committee reflects a broad mix of expertise across Nigeria’s maritime and logistics value chain.

It includes Captain Edidiong Akpanebe-Sola Obalo as Vice President, Lillian Nneji as General Secretary, Hannah Adaba as Treasurer, and Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike as Public Relations Officer.

Others are Toyin Oyeleke as Assistant General Secretary and Aisha Cole as Assistant Treasurer.

Focus shifts to continental conference

Looking ahead, WISTA Nigeria says it will prioritise hosting the 8th WISTA Africa Regional Conference scheduled for June 25–26, 2026, in Lagos.

The event, set to take place at Eko Hotel & Suites, is expected to attract maritime stakeholders from across Africa to discuss policy, innovation, and the evolving role of women in the sector.

Experts say such gatherings could help shape regional strategies and foster collaboration in Africa’s growing maritime industry.

Industry perspective

Maritime analysts note that leadership stability within professional bodies like WISTA Nigeria can strengthen advocacy efforts and improve stakeholder engagement.

They also highlight the increasing importance of gender diversity in driving innovation and sustainability in global shipping and logistics.

What’s next

With a renewed mandate, WISTA Nigeria is expected to deepen its advocacy, expand partnerships, and position Nigerian professionals more prominently in global maritime conversations.

The upcoming regional conference will serve as a key test of its strategic direction and influence.