Maritime stakeholders and government officials will meet in Lagos next Friday to discuss the modernisation of seaports, renewal of critical infrastructure, trade facilitation, ease of doing business, revenue growth and measures to curb financial leakages in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The conference is organised by the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ), the umbrella body for maritime journalists in the country, and will hold at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, beginning at 11:00 am
According to a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Public Relations Officer of NNMJ, Elder Dele Aderibigbe and Jerry Aguigbo, the event will also review the performance, policy direction and operational efficiency of the maritime industry under the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The conference, themed “Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue,” will be chaired by former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Barrister Temisan Omatseye.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, will attend as Special Guest of Honour, while renowned maritime lawyer, Barrister Emeka Akabogu, SAN, will deliver the keynote address.
Organisers said the conference will provide a platform for constructive engagement among government officials, maritime professionals and private-sector operators on practical strategies for strengthening the industry and increasing its contribution to national economic growth.
Discussions will focus on the modernisation of seaports and the renewal of critical infrastructure, improved trade facilitation, enhanced ease of doing business, revenue growth and measures to address financial leakages.
Participants will also explore opportunities to expand the marine and blue economy, create employment, strengthen maritime safety and security, and improve the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The event is expected to attract heads of government agencies, managing directors of shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders and other key players across the maritime value chain.
Through the Unity Conference, NNMJ seeks to promote informed dialogue, deepen collaboration between public and private-sector stakeholders, and support policy initiatives capable of improving port efficiency, facilitating legitimate trade, boosting revenue performance and unlocking the economic potential of the maritime industry.
The conference is also expected to reinforce the role of the maritime media in promoting accountability, providing informed industry analysis and advancing constructive engagement on policies and reforms affecting Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.