Lagos is set to host key players in Nigeria’s maritime sector as industry leaders, regulators, policymakers and experts converge for the 2026 Maritime Training Summit and Awards of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON), with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) partnering the Association to advance discussions on the development of the nation’s Blue Economy.
The summit, scheduled to hold at the Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, will bring stakeholders together to examine innovation-driven training, human capital development and other critical factors required to position Nigeria’s maritime sector for greater economic growth.
Themed “The Power of Innovation in a Future-Ready Maritime Training Agenda,” the event will focus on the role of innovation, technology and capacity development in strengthening Nigeria’s maritime industry and preparing the workforce to take advantage of emerging opportunities within the Blue Economy.
According to AMJON, NIMASA’s partnership with the Association reflects the Agency’s sustained commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria’s maritime sector, particularly through initiatives aimed at promoting indigenous participation, maritime safety and security, capacity development and the sustainable utilisation of the nation’s vast marine resources.
The Association noted that as Nigeria continues to pursue the expansion of its Blue Economy, the role of human capital development and professional training has become increasingly important in building a globally competitive maritime workforce.
AMJON President, Vera Osokpo, said NIMASA’s support for the summit demonstrates the Agency’s recognition of the important role of knowledge, innovation and capacity development in unlocking the enormous potential of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
She said the partnership would further enrich discussions at the summit and provide stakeholders with an opportunity to examine practical strategies for developing the skills and expertise required to support the evolving needs of the sector.
According to Osokpo, NIMASA has continued to play a strategic role in Nigeria’s maritime development through its regulatory responsibilities and interventions aimed at promoting safety, security, shipping development, indigenous capacity and the sustainable growth of the maritime industry.
She added that the Agency’s contributions to the nation’s maritime ecosystem have become increasingly significant as Nigeria seeks to maximise opportunities within the Blue Economy and diversify its economic base.
The AMJON President said the summit would also provide maritime journalists with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of emerging technologies, regulatory developments and ongoing reforms shaping the industry.
She noted that improved knowledge and specialised capacity among maritime journalists would contribute to more informed reporting, greater public awareness and a better understanding of the strategic importance of the maritime sector to Nigeria’s economic development.
AMJON said the conference would address key challenges and opportunities confronting the maritime industry, while also examining current trends in technology, training, regulation and workforce development.
The Association expressed optimism that deliberations at the summit would produce practical recommendations capable of supporting the development of a future-ready maritime workforce and advancing Nigeria’s efforts to harness the full potential of the Blue Economy.
The event will also feature an awards ceremony during which AMJON will recognise organisations, personalities and individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry and national development.
AMJON said the recognition would celebrate stakeholders whose achievements, reforms and commitment have contributed significantly to the growth, development and transformation of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The Association added that all honourees were selected through established standards of excellence and rigorous evaluation criteria, with emphasis on outstanding contributions, achievements and dedication to the maritime industry and national development.