SIFAX Group has challenged young Nigerians to equip themselves with the knowledge, skills and innovation needed to drive the country’s maritime transformation, declaring that Nigeria’s ambition to emerge as Africa’s blue economy powerhouse depends on a new generation of competent and visionary leaders.
The charge was delivered by the Group Coordinating Director of SIFAX Group, Mrs. Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, on
behalf of the Group Executive Chairman, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, at the 2026 Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Conference held at the University of Lagos.
The conference drew over 2,000 participants from government, academia, the maritime industry and the private sector as stakeholders celebrated a decade of one of Africa’s foremost student-led maritime platforms.
Addressing participants on the theme, “Ten Tides of Impact: Raising a Generation to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Blue Giant”, Afolabi stressed that the nation’s maritime future would be shaped not only by its abundant natural resources but, more importantly, by sustained investment in human capital.
“For years, we described Nigeria’s blue economy as a sleeping giant. This year’s theme says something bolder. It says the giant is meant to rise, and that the generation to raise it is sitting in this hall”, he stated, encouraging students to seek mentorship, ask bold questions and prepare themselves to assume leadership roles in the maritime sector.
He noted that the conference, organised by the Maritime Forum, University of Lagos, in partnership with SIFAX Group, has grown from a modest student initiative into West Africa’s largest student-led maritime conference, serving as a vital bridge between the classroom and industry by connecting students with policymakers, regulators and business leaders.
The event also featured a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, by the Agency’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. Chudi Offodile.
The keynote reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to placing young Nigerians at the heart of the country’s blue economy agenda through strategic investments in maritime education, seafarer development, vessel financing, innovation and maritime security.
It highlighted initiatives such as the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme, the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund and the Blue Economy Accelerator Initiative as key interventions designed to create opportunities for young Nigerians to build careers, own vessels, develop maritime technologies and contribute to Nigeria’s emergence as Africa’s blue economy leader.
Other highlights of the anniversary edition included high-level policy dialogues, panel discussions and the Blueprint Debate Competition, a flagship initiative that has evolved into a nationally recognised platform where university students debate critical issues relating to maritime development, governance and public policy.