The 10th edition of the Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime Conference (TAAM) will bring together more than 2,000 participants on 20–21 July 2026, with organisers saying the event aims to strengthen collaboration between universities, government and the maritime industry.

Hosted by the Maritime Forum of the University of Lagos in partnership with SIFAX Group, the conference has grown over the past decade into what organisers describe as West Africa’s largest student-led maritime gathering.

This year’s event carries the theme, “Ten Tides of Impact: Raising a Generation to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Blue Giant,” reflecting growing efforts to prepare young professionals for opportunities in Nigeria’s expanding blue economy.

Why it matters

Nigeria depends heavily on its maritime sector for international trade, port operations and economic growth. Industry experts have repeatedly argued that developing skilled professionals is essential if the country hopes to compete with leading maritime economies across Africa.

The conference comes as policymakers continue to promote the blue economy as a major driver of jobs, investment and sustainable development.

Industry, government and academia to share one platform

The conference will feature keynote speeches and policy discussions involving senior government officials, academics and maritime professionals.

Expected speakers include maritime lawyer Dr. Emeka Akabogu, Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, University of Lagos Vice-Chancellor Prof. Folasade Ogunsola, Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (Nigeria), Dr. Odunayo Ani, alongside representatives of the Danish Consulate and other maritime organisations.

Organisers say the discussions will focus on maritime policy, innovation, youth leadership and the future of Nigeria’s shipping industry.

Organisers: Building future maritime leaders

President of the Maritime Forum, Dare Tunde Damilola, described the anniversary edition as more than a celebration.

He said the conference is “a legacy platform designed to strengthen collaboration between industry and academia and to develop the next generation of maritime professionals and policy leaders.”

According to him, the event seeks to promote meaningful conversations about the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry, bridge the gap between students and practitioners, encourage innovation and leadership among young people, deepen stakeholder engagement across the maritime ecosystem, and create opportunities for networking, mentorship and career development.

SIFAX Group explains decade-long support

SIFAX Group says its continued partnership reflects its commitment to developing future talent for the maritime industry.

The company’s Group Head of Corporate Communications, Olumuyiwa Akande, said:

“The company has continued to support the initiative because it serves as a strategic platform to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical industry knowledge while also cultivating the university students’ interest in the country’s maritime industry.”

The company has supported the conference since its inception in 2016.

Debate competition returns

One of the conference’s major attractions will be the anniversary edition of the Blueprint Debate Competition.

Since TAAM began ten years ago, organisers say the competition has become a nationally recognised platform where university students debate issues affecting maritime development, governance, public policy and the Nigerian economy.

Expert perspective

Maritime analysts say stronger collaboration between universities and industry is becoming increasingly important as shipping adopts new technologies, cleaner energy systems and digital operations.

They argue that programmes linking students directly with industry professionals can help reduce skills shortages while improving graduates’ employment prospects.

Public perspective

For many students attending the conference, the event offers a rare opportunity to engage directly with regulators, shipping companies and policymakers, while exploring internship, mentorship and career opportunities within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

What’s next?

The conference opens on 20 July and concludes on 21 July 2026 at the University of Lagos.

Organisers expect discussions and policy recommendations from the event to contribute to ongoing conversations on strengthening Nigeria’s maritime sector and expanding opportunities within the country’s blue economy.

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has called for closer collaboration with the media as it pushes ahead with a wide-ranging programme to modernise Nigeria’s ports and digitise port operations.

The Authority says the partnership is essential to improve public understanding of reforms that it believes will make Nigerian ports more efficient, competitive and attractive to investors.

The General Manager of Corporate and Strategic Communications, Ikechukwu Onyemekara, made the appeal during a courtesy visit by members of the Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP).

Why it matters

Nigeria’s ports serve as the country’s main gateway for imports and exports, making their efficiency critical to trade, government revenue and economic growth.

For years, businesses have complained about congestion, delays, high logistics costs and poor infrastructure around major ports, particularly Apapa and Tin Can Island in Lagos.

The Federal Government has increasingly promoted digital technologies and infrastructure upgrades as part of efforts to reduce bottlenecks and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and international trade.

NPA defends digital reforms

Speaking during the meeting, Onyemekara defended the Authority’s digital transformation programme, particularly the Electronic Truck Call-Up (ETO) system, describing it as a globally recognised solution designed to improve traffic management and eliminate inefficiencies.

He said opposition to the reforms has largely come from those who benefited from the old system.

The NPA, he said, continues to work with security and law enforcement agencies to address persistent traffic congestion around port access roads.

Although the Authority is not a law enforcement agency, he said traffic challenges directly affect port productivity and Nigeria’s reputation as a maritime destination.

Drawing comparisons with leading international ports, Onyemekara noted that some countries temporarily restrict truck movements whenever congestion reaches critical levels to maintain efficient operations.

Media engagement strategy planned

The NPA says it is developing a comprehensive communication strategy to ensure stakeholders understand the objectives and benefits of the Federal Government’s port modernisation programme.

“We want everybody to understand what we are doing, why we are doing it and the benefits it will bring. There will be adequate stakeholder engagement, including site visits for journalists to appreciate the scale of the modernisation project,” he said.

He acknowledged that large-scale reforms often generate criticism but argued that modernisation is necessary if Nigerian ports are to compete with major maritime hubs across the world.

According to him, the success of the Lekki Deep Sea Port demonstrates how automation and modern infrastructure can improve cargo handling, operational efficiency and overall competitiveness.

Investment beyond Lagos

Onyemekara said investment in ports is largely determined by cargo demand and commercial activity, explaining that Lagos continues to attract the highest cargo volumes because it remains Nigeria’s biggest commercial centre.

He added that the NPA is also investing in eastern ports while encouraging private sector participation in new deep seaport developments across the country.

According to him, approved deep seaport projects in Badagry, Ibaka and Olokola have progressed beyond approvals, with investors expected to move into implementation.

Industry reaction

President of CONMMEP, Udo Onyeka, praised the NPA for supporting both the association and broader efforts to develop Nigeria’s maritime industry.

He said ongoing reforms, digital initiatives and infrastructure investments were already delivering measurable improvements, adding that ports such as Apapa and Tin Can Island had recently gained recognition in international port performance assessments.

Onyeka also pledged the association’s continued support for responsible and balanced reporting while promoting public understanding of the Authority’s reform agenda.

Expert perspective

Maritime economists have consistently argued that efficient ports reduce shipping costs, attract investment and strengthen export competitiveness.

They also note that digital systems can improve transparency and reduce delays, although sustained investment in road infrastructure, rail connectivity and cargo evacuation remains essential for lasting improvements.

Public impact

For importers, exporters, manufacturers and consumers, more efficient ports could translate into faster cargo clearance, lower logistics costs and improved availability of goods.

Successful reforms could also enhance Nigeria’s position as a regional maritime hub, supporting trade, job creation and economic growth.

What’s next?

The NPA says journalists and other stakeholders will receive regular briefings before, during and after the implementation of the port modernisation programme.

The Authority believes sustained public engagement will help build confidence in reforms designed to deliver world-class port services and strengthen Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness.

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has opened a new maritime museum in Lagos, describing it as a major effort to preserve Nigeria’s maritime history while educating future generations about the country’s growing marine and blue economy.

The museum, located at the Nigerian Maritime Resource Development Centre (NMRDC) in Kirikiri, Lagos, was officially commissioned on July 9, marking what the agency says is another milestone in protecting Nigeria’s maritime heritage.

Why it matters

Nigeria’s maritime sector handles most of the country’s international trade and remains central to economic diversification, job creation and the Federal Government’s drive to develop the Marine and Blue Economy.

Experts say preserving maritime history through museums can improve public understanding of the industry’s contribution while encouraging young Nigerians to pursue careers in shipping, logistics, marine engineering and related fields.

Representing NIMASA Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the Agency’s Director of Planning, Research and Data Management Services, Mrs. Aisha Jidda, declared the museum open to the public.

She conveyed the Director General’s message that the facility is “a repository of Nigeria’s maritime history and a centre dedicated to preserving the nation’s maritime heritage for future generations.”

According to the agency, the museum will function as an educational and research centre, displaying historical artefacts, archival materials, maritime innovations and the evolution of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Dr. Mobereola said the facility demonstrates NIMASA’s commitment to promoting maritime awareness, supporting research, inspiring future generations of maritime professionals and preserving the legacy of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

He encouraged students, researchers, industry stakeholders and members of the public to visit the museum to gain a deeper understanding of Nigeria’s maritime journey and its strategic importance to national development and the Marine and Blue Economy.

Maritime security also takes centre stage

In a separate development, officers and personnel from the Nigerian Army Intelligence School, Apapa, led by Commandant Brigadier General David Umaru, visited NIMASA’s Deep Blue Operational Base in Kirikiri on a study tour.

The visit was designed to provide the military delegation with first-hand knowledge of the agency’s maritime security and intelligence operations.

Representing the Director General, the Head of the Deep Blue Unit, Mrs. Gladys Owolabi, reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to sustained inter-agency cooperation.

She said collaboration among security agencies remains essential to strengthening maritime security and protecting Nigeria’s territorial waters from threats including piracy, illegal activities and other maritime crimes.

Industry perspective

Maritime analysts have consistently argued that investment in maritime education, heritage preservation and security infrastructure is vital to unlocking Nigeria’s blue economy potential.

They note that initiatives such as the maritime museum and the Deep Blue Project complement broader efforts to improve investor confidence, safeguard shipping routes and promote sustainable economic growth.

What happens next?

With the museum now open, NIMASA is expected to receive students, researchers, maritime professionals and members of the public interested in Nigeria’s maritime history.

The agency is also expected to continue expanding collaboration with security institutions through initiatives such as the Deep Blue Project, aimed at improving safety across Nigeria’s maritime domain.