Maritime
TAAM Conference 2026: Experts Push Youth Development to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Blue Giant
Government officials, maritime experts, academics and industry leaders have called for greater investment in young professionals, innovation and stronger public-private partnerships to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy potential during the 10th Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Conference held at the University of Lagos.
The conference, organised through the partnership between the University of Lagos Maritime Forum and SIFAX Group, marked a decade of industry-academia collaboration aimed at preparing future maritime professionals.
This year’s theme, “Ten Tides of Impact: Raising a Generation to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Blue Giant,” centred on developing human capital as Nigeria seeks to diversify its economy beyond oil.
Why it matters
Nigeria possesses one of Africa’s longest coastlines, busy seaports and vast inland waterways.
Experts say those natural advantages will only translate into economic growth if the country produces enough skilled professionals to manage shipping, logistics, marine technology, fisheries, port operations and emerging blue economy industries.
The conference brought together policymakers, regulators, university leaders, maritime associations and students to discuss practical solutions for closing the gap between classroom learning and industry needs.
SIFAX: People not policy alone will shape Nigeria’s maritime future
Delivering the welcome address on behalf of SIFAX Group Executive Chairman, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, the Group Coordinating Director, Mrs Wunmi Eniola Jegede, said the conference has evolved into West Africa’s largest student-led maritime gathering over the past decade.
She described the partnership between SIFAX Group and the University of Lagos as one designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice.
“What began as a modest student initiative has grown into the largest student-led maritime conference in West Africa. We could not be prouder to have walked that road alongside them.”
Mrs Jegede said the conference was intentionally created to expose students to real industry challenges rather than limiting them to classroom knowledge.
“We set out to build a serious, knowledge-driven space that closes the distance between the industry and the lecture hall, between what is taught and what is actually practised.”
She added that the conference focuses on developing people because policies alone cannot transform the maritime sector.
“A maritime future worth having depends on young professionals who are ready, well-mentored, and given room to lead.”
Addressing students directly, she urged them to maximise the opportunity.
“Listen closely. Take notes. Ask the questions you have been afraid to ask. Let this conference plant something you carry forward.”
Conference celebrates a decade of impact
Mrs Jegede said the conference has become one of Nigeria’s most respected maritime conversations emerging from any university campus.
She noted that several former participants now work within the maritime industry, demonstrating the conference’s long-term impact on career development.
According to her, one former University of Lagos student who consistently attended the conference now works with the SIFAX Group, showing how preparedness can create opportunities.
NIMASA: Nigeria must move “from oil to ocean”
Representing the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, Mrs Nneka Obianyon said Nigeria’s future economic prosperity depends on fully developing its marine and blue economy.
She commended the organisers for sustaining the conference for ten years, describing it as a platform that has successfully connected education with industry.
According to NIMASA, Nigeria’s Blue Economy strategy aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda.
The agency identified young people as central to achieving the country’s long-term maritime ambitions.
Among initiatives highlighted were:
Expansion of maritime education through stronger university partnerships.
Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme.
Vessel financing initiatives to promote indigenous ship ownership.
Blue Economy Accelerator Initiative to support maritime startups.
Continued implementation of the Deep Blue Project.
The agency also noted that improved maritime security has contributed to four consecutive years without piracy incidents in Nigerian waters, helping improve investor confidence.
Looking ahead, NIMASA said Nigeria must prepare for autonomous shipping, green ports, environmental sustainability, marine technology and digital transformation.
Human capital remains Nigeria’s greatest advantage
Delivering a keynote address, President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, Dr Odunayo Ani, said Nigeria’s greatest competitive advantage is not its coastline but its people.
She said deliberate investment in leadership development, mentorship and professional excellence would determine whether the country realises its blue economy ambitions.
Dr Ani said WISTA Nigeria remains committed to promoting diversity and creating opportunities across shipping, logistics, maritime law, marine services, finance and energy.
She urged young professionals to pursue excellence with discipline and integrity.
“Seek knowledge, embrace innovation and find mentors. The future belongs to those prepared to lead with competence, integrity and vision.”
She added that Nigeria must build a globally competitive maritime sector that is technologically advanced, environmentally responsible and inclusive.
Industry leaders seek stronger partnerships
Speakers throughout the conference agreed that collaboration between government, academia and private industry remains essential.
Participants said universities should regularly review their curricula to reflect rapid technological developments while employers should create more internship, mentorship and practical training opportunities.
Several speakers argued that sustainable partnerships would better prepare graduates for careers in shipping, logistics, marine engineering and port operations.
Panel Session One: Experts Call for Stable Policies to Unlock Nigeria’s Blue Economy
The first panel session, titled “Building the Blue Giant: The Policy, Leadership, Innovation and Partnerships Nigeria Needs for the Next Decade,” shifted the conversation from vision to implementation.
Panelists argued that while Nigeria has enormous maritime potential, sustained growth will depend on policy consistency, investor confidence and collaboration among government, regulators and the private sector.
They welcomed Nigeria’s first National Marine and Blue Economy Policy, describing it as a significant milestone that provides direction for the country’s long-term maritime development.
According to the speakers, maintaining stable leadership across maritime institutions will encourage long-term investments because shipping projects require years before investors begin to realise returns.
They also highlighted improved maritime security as one of Nigeria’s biggest achievements.
The panel noted that the elimination of piracy in Nigerian waters has reduced operational risks, lowered insurance costs and improved Nigeria’s reputation among international investors.
One speaker likened the country’s ports to “the front door” of a much larger blue economy, arguing that policymakers should expand attention beyond ports to fisheries, aquaculture, marine tourism, logistics, offshore energy and coastal development.
Human capital and innovation remain critical
The discussion also examined the changing nature of maritime jobs.
Experts warned that digitalisation, automation and decarbonisation are reshaping global shipping, meaning Nigeria must begin preparing specialists in marine technology, artificial intelligence, data science, green shipping and environmental management.
They stressed that measuring policy success should go beyond government announcements to include tangible indicators such as employment growth, increased indigenous vessel ownership, higher private investment, improved port efficiency and reduced logistics costs.
The panel further recommended regular policy reviews to ensure Nigeria remains competitive in a rapidly changing global maritime industry.
Panel Session Two: ‘Nigeria Must Produce Ship Owners, Not Just Seafarers’
The second panel, “Who Will Own and Sail the Blue Giant? Building the Human Capital and Entrepreneurial Capacity Nigeria Needs to Drive its Maritime Future,” focused on developing indigenous maritime entrepreneurs and professionals.
Speakers said Nigeria has made progress in training seafarers but still has relatively few indigenous ship owners.
They argued that creating local shipping companies would generate employment, retain more revenue within Nigeria and strengthen national participation in international trade.
Bridging the gap between education and employment
Panelists identified a persistent disconnect between university education and industry expectations.
To address this, they proposed stronger collaboration between maritime institutions and employers to redesign academic curricula around practical industry needs.
Among the recommendations were:
Establishing expert advisory committees made up of industry professionals.
Introducing structured cadetship programmes similar to the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Expanding internship opportunities within maritime companies.
Providing incentives for companies that train graduates.
According to the panel, these reforms would produce graduates who are ready to contribute immediately after leaving university.
Entrepreneurship should become a career pathway
The discussion also encouraged students to view entrepreneurship as a viable alternative to government employment.
Professional associations across shipping, logistics and maritime services were urged to strengthen mentorship programmes and provide networking opportunities for young professionals.
Panelists said collaboration between industry associations, regulators and universities will be essential in building future maritime leaders.
Industry Perspective
Participants attending the conference said the discussions reflected many of the challenges facing Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Several students described the conference as an opportunity to interact directly with regulators, business leaders and experienced professionals whom they would otherwise rarely meet.
Industry stakeholders also praised the conference for sustaining dialogue between academia and practitioners over the past decade.
Why the Conference Matters
Nigeria’s maritime sector contributes significantly to trade, transportation and national revenue.
However, experts believe the country has yet to fully harness opportunities in shipping, fisheries, marine technology, coastal tourism, renewable ocean energy and logistics.
With increasing global attention on the blue economy, developing skilled professionals is seen as essential to Nigeria’s competitiveness.
Stakeholders at the conference agreed that attracting investment will require not only better infrastructure but also a workforce capable of driving innovation and adapting to emerging technologies.
What Next?
Speakers concluded that achieving Nigeria’s ambition of becoming Africa’s “Blue Giant” will require sustained collaboration among government, universities, regulators and private investors.
They urged policymakers to implement existing strategies consistently while expanding opportunities for young Nigerians through education, mentorship, entrepreneurship and practical industry exposure.
For students attending the conference, the message was clear: the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry will depend on those willing to prepare today for the opportunities of tomorrow.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Nigerian Navy have renewed a memorandum of understanding designed to improve coordination against maritime security threats, almost two decades after they first formalised their partnership.
The agencies signed the renewed agreement at the Naval Headquarters in Abuja on 11 August. NIMASA Director General Dayo Mobereola and Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Idi Abbas signed for their respective institutions.
The agreement will cover information sharing, joint operational responses, maritime law enforcement and the implementation of Nigeria’s maritime security laws, according to NIMASA.
The agency said the renewed MoU represents the first formal renewal of the partnership since the original agreement was signed in 2007.
What has changed?
The renewed agreement adds provisions that were not part of the earlier arrangement, including the integration of NIMASA’s Deep Blue Project into the joint framework.
Vice Admiral Abbas said the arrangement would strengthen cooperation between the Navy’s Maritime Guard Command and the Deep Blue Project.
It also introduces a joint reporting protocol for communication and information sharing during operations. The Navy said this should help agencies make faster decisions when maritime incidents occur.
The agreement also provides for an annual conference where the two institutions can review their cooperation and address emerging security challenges.
L-R: Director, Legal Services NIMASA, Heaky Dimowo; Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Commander, Maritime Guard Command (MGC), Commodore Reginald Adoki, during the NIMASA/NAVY MOU signing ceremonies at the Naval headquarters in Abuja.
Mobereola urged officials responsible for implementing the agreement to move beyond signing ceremonies.
“As we renew this partnership today, I urge our respective teams to ensure that the spirit of this agreement translates into practical and measurable outcomes,” he said.
That question of implementation will be important because the two agencies have worked together for years. The new agreement does not, by itself, show how much additional funding, equipment or personnel will support the new commitments.
Why does maritime security matter?
Nigeria relies heavily on its waterways for trade, energy exports and other economic activity. Disruption or insecurity at sea can increase risks for seafarers and shipping operators and raise the wider cost of moving goods.
Vice Admiral Abbas stressed the economic importance of securing the country’s maritime domain.
“Whether we like it or not, the water is where we get whatever we are getting—our revenue, everything and even the trade we engage in, in large percentages, is done through the water. So this institution has to be very strong,” he said.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) says secure links between ships, ports and people are essential for trade to flow effectively. It also identifies the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code as a key international framework for maritime security.
Nigeria’s maritime security framework also includes the Suppression of Piracy and Other Maritime Offences (SPOMO) Act, enacted in 2019. NIMASA says the law provides the legal basis for prosecuting piracy and other maritime offences.
Piracy has fallen, but security risks remain
The renewed agreement comes at a time when piracy in the Gulf of Guinea has fallen significantly from the levels recorded several years ago.
The IMO says collective efforts since 2021 have contributed to a reduction in pirate attacks in the Gulf of Guinea. It has nevertheless called for continued support for regional navies and maritime security institutions.
The IMO reported in 2025 that incidents in the Gulf of Guinea had fallen by five compared with 2023, a reduction of about 23%.
Global figures also show a sharp fall in reported incidents early this year. The International Maritime Bureau recorded 16 piracy and armed robbery incidents worldwide in the first quarter of 2026, the lowest first-quarter figure since 1991. It still warned that risks to seafarers remain.
That improvement makes continued coordination important rather than unnecessary. A decline in attacks does not eliminate the possibility of a resurgence or other forms of maritime crime.
NIMASA itself reported a suspected piracy incident in the wider Gulf of Guinea in May 2025 and said it coordinated with the Nigerian Navy and other regional agencies in response. The agency stressed that the incident did not occur in Nigerian waters.
Deep Blue Project takes centre stage
The integration of the Deep Blue Project into the renewed MoU is one of the most significant changes announced by the agencies.
NIMASA launched the project as an integrated maritime security system involving land, sea and air assets. Its stated purpose includes protecting Nigerian waters against piracy, sea robbery and other maritime crimes.
The Navy has previously confirmed that Deep Blue assets operate across Nigeria’s maritime zones as part of efforts to improve patrols and security.
In February 2026, Mobereola also called for continued cooperation with the Navy as NIMASA considered expanding the Deep Blue Project.
The latest agreement therefore builds on an existing operational relationship rather than creating one from scratch.
What does it mean for Nigerians?
For shipping companies and seafarers, better coordination could reduce delays and improve responses to attacks or other emergencies.
For the government, stronger maritime security could support efforts to expand the so-called Blue Economy, which depends on safe and reliable access to the sea.
The World Bank describes the Blue Economy as the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods and job creation while protecting marine ecosystems.
For coastal communities, however, the impact will depend on how the agencies enforce maritime laws and manage operations. The agreement does not provide enough public detail to assess its financial cost or establish measurable targets for judging whether the partnership succeeds.
That creates an accountability question: what specific improvements should Nigerians expect, and when will the agencies publish evidence showing whether the new arrangement has delivered them?
A long-running partnership enters a new phase
NIMASA said the renewed MoU will strengthen the institutions’ ability to carry out their statutory responsibilities and respond to changing maritime security threats.
Mobereola credited Marine and Blue Economy Minister Adegboyega Oyetola with supporting inter-agency cooperation and linked the agreement to President Bola Tinubu’s Blue Economy agenda.
Those are government assessments rather than independently measured outcomes. The practical test will be whether the new reporting system, joint operations and annual reviews produce faster responses, better intelligence sharing and fewer security incidents.
The next stage will therefore be implementation. The agencies will need to turn the commitments contained in the MoU into operational procedures and provide evidence of progress if the renewed partnership is to deliver more than another formal agreement.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, has reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to green shipping and maritime decarbonisation as Nigeria seeks to align with global efforts to reduce emissions from the shipping industry.
The commitment was made during a strategic meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Natural Eco Capital Limited, Dr Eugene Itua, where both parties discussed initiatives designed to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a cleaner and more environmentally sustainable maritime sector.
Why it matters
Shipping is responsible for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions, and regulators worldwide are introducing stricter environmental standards to reduce the industry’s climate impact.
For Nigeria, adopting greener shipping practices could improve environmental protection, attract climate finance, strengthen the country’s competitiveness in international trade and support the long-term growth of its blue economy.
R-L : Executive Director, Operations, Engr. Fatai Adeyemi , Director-General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, CEO, Natural Eco Capital Limited, Dr. Eugene Itua.
NIMASA: Collaboration is key
During the meeting, Dr Itua presented the Nigerian Green Shipping Excellence Programme (NGSEP) and the Green Maritime Recognition Scheme (GMRS), saying the initiatives could accelerate maritime decarbonisation, encourage the adoption of cleaner technologies, attract climate investments and position Nigeria as a regional leader in sustainable shipping.
Responding, Dr Mobereola welcomed the proposal and stressed the importance of partnerships.
He said, “Partnerships with the private sector and other stakeholders are essential to achieving Nigeria’s environmental sustainability objectives.”
The NIMASA Director-General added that “practical, innovative and collaborative approaches are critical to addressing climate change, safeguarding the marine environment, and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry.”
The proposed NGSEP and GMRS are expected to encourage voluntary compliance while recognising organisations making measurable progress in reducing their environmental footprint.
L- R : CEO, Natural Eco Capital Limited, Dr. Eugene Itua, Director, Planning Research and Data Mgt. Services Dept., Mrs Aishatu Jidda, DG, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director, Marine Environment Mgt Dept., Dr. Oma Ofodile, and Executive Director, Operations, Engr. Fatai Adeyemi, all of NIMASA.
What happens next?
NIMASA and Natural Eco Capital Limited are expected to continue discussions on implementing the proposed initiatives.
If adopted, the programmes could support Nigeria’s transition to a low-carbon maritime sector while contributing to sustainable growth across the country’s marine and blue economy.
Residents of Snake Island in Lagos have welcomed a public awareness campaign by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) aimed at discouraging people from attempting to stow away on ships.
The campaign forms part of the agency’s efforts to reduce stowaway incidents, which remain a concern for the global shipping industry because they endanger lives, disrupt vessel operations and can lead to diplomatic and security challenges for coastal nations.
Why it matters
Nigeria is one of Africa’s busiest maritime hubs, with thousands of vessels calling at its ports each year. Maritime experts say preventing stowaways is essential for improving port security, protecting lives and strengthening confidence among international shipping companies doing business in the country.
During the community engagement at Snake Island, NIMASA officials met with traditional leaders, youths and residents to explain the risks associated with illegally boarding vessels.
Residents praised the awareness exercise, describing it as both timely and impactful, and encouraged the agency to sustain similar campaigns in other coastal communities.
NIMASA: Prevention is better than enforcement
Leading the agency’s delegation, the Head of the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Unit, Mr Mudi Isa, said community participation remains one of the most effective ways of preventing stowaway incidents.
He said, “Stowaway incidents damage Nigeria’s reputation in the global maritime community.”
Mr Isa added that NIMASA remains committed to preventing such incidents through sustained public enlightenment and engagement with communities located around ports and waterways.
Expert perspective
Maritime security analysts say awareness campaigns complement physical security measures at ports by addressing one of the root causes of stowaway incidents—limited public understanding of the legal and personal consequences.
They note that successful maritime security depends not only on technology and law enforcement but also on cooperation from communities located near ports, jetties and waterfronts.
Industry and public perspective
Shipping operators have repeatedly stressed that stowaway incidents can increase operational costs through delays, investigations and additional security procedures.
Community engagement initiatives such as NIMASA’s campaign could also help reduce risks for young people who may underestimate the dangers of hiding aboard ships, including injury, starvation, dehydration and prosecution.
What happens next?
NIMASA says it will continue taking its anti-stowaway awareness campaign to grassroots communities across Nigeria as part of wider efforts to strengthen maritime security and support the Federal Government’s Blue Economy agenda.
The agency hopes that sustained public education will reduce incidents while improving Nigeria’s standing within the international maritime community.
-
Politics1 day agoOsun Election 2026: Police Deploy DIG Ishyaku Mohammed to Lead Security Operations
-
Entertainment6 days agoOkocha Beats Portable After Dramatic Walkout in Lagos Boxing Rematch
-
Jobs7 days agoNigeria Customs Releases Final 2024/2025 Recruitment List, Announces Annual Recruitment From 2026
-
Business6 days agoNigeria Customs Seizes Rifle Components, ₦373.8m Cannabis Products at Lagos Port
-
Business5 days agoJamara Home Launches August 2026 Rainy-season Appliance Sales Campaign
-
Crime3 days agoOgun Police Rescue Seven Kidnap Victims, Arrest 38 Suspects
-
Environment5 days agoRite Foods Cuts Emissions 5% as Natural Gas Dominates Energy Mix
-
Economy4 days agoAfCFTA Seeks Nigeria Customs Digital System for Africa-Wide Adoption
