Key players across Nigeria’s maritime and trade ecosystem have been honoured for outstanding contributions to port development, trade facilitation, and public service.
The recognition took place at the 6th edition of the JournalNG Port Industry Town Hall Meeting held on Friday in Apapa, Lagos.
The event, themed “Towards a Regime of Smart Ports in Nigeria,” brought together industry stakeholders, regulators and private sector operators to chart a forward-looking pathway for digital transformation and efficiency in the nation’s port system.
Among the awardees was the Managing Director of Inland Containers Nigeria Limited, Mr. Omotayo Dada, who received the Excellence Award for Dry Port Management and Innovative Trade Facilitation in Nigeria.
His recognition underscores ongoing efforts to deepen hinterland connectivity and ease congestion at seaports through inland container depots.
Also honoured was Comptroller Gambo Aliyu, Controller of the Federal Operations Unit (FOU) Zone A of the Nigeria Customs Service, who bagged the Distinguished Service Award for Operations in Anti-Smuggling.
Similarly, Comptroller Shuaibu Kaila, Customs Area Controller, Seme Border Command, was recognised with a Distinguished Service Award for Combating Smuggling and Wildlife Trafficking, reflecting intensified enforcement at Nigeria’s busiest land border corridor.
The National Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Customs Service, Deputy Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, received the Excellence Award in ICT/Multimedia-Driven Public Communications for leveraging digital platforms to enhance transparency and stakeholder engagement.
In the private sector category, Alhaji Abdulrasheed Naisidi, Chairman/CEO of ARN Group Co. International, was conferred with the Award of Entrepreneurial Excellence and Promotion of Maritime Trade in the Hinterland, in recognition of his role in expanding trade logistics beyond coastal regions.
The Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, was also celebrated with a Distinguished Leadership Award in Maritime Education and Institutional Excellence, highlighting reforms and capacity-building initiatives within the academy.
Rounding off the list of honourees, Mr. Ubong Essien, Dean of the School of Eloquence and Founder of Blue Economy TV, received the Award of Excellence for the Promotion of Blue Economy Education and Awareness, for his advocacy in driving public discourse on sustainable ocean resources.
Speaking at the event, the organiser, Ismail Aniemu emphasised the importance of recognising excellence as a catalyst for reform, particularly as Nigeria positions its ports to align with global smart port standards driven by automation, data integration and improved logistics efficiency.
The town hall meeting also featured robust discussions on policy direction, infrastructure gaps and the role of technology in enhancing port competitiveness, with stakeholders calling for sustained collaboration between government agencies and the private sector.
The annual forum has continued to serve as a platform for dialogue and recognition, reinforcing the critical role of innovation and leadership in advancing Nigeria’s maritime industry.