The Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) is set to convene key policymakers, maritime regulators, industry leaders and other stakeholders at its Unity Conference on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, to deliberate on critical issues shaping the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The conference, scheduled to commence at 11:00 a.m., will examine the performance, policy direction and operational efficiency of the maritime sector under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with particular emphasis on seaport modernisation, trade facilitation and revenue generation.
Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Barrister Temisan Omatseye, will chair the conference, while the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, will attend as Special Guest of Honour.
Renowned maritime lawyer, Barrister Emeka Akabogu, will deliver the keynote address at the event, which is themed, “Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue”.
The conference is expected to provide a platform for meaningful engagement among government officials, maritime professionals and private-sector operators on practical strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s maritime industry and maximising its contribution to national economic growth.
Discussions will focus on the modernisation of seaports, rehabilitation and renewal of critical infrastructure, improved trade facilitation, enhanced ease of doing business, revenue generation and measures to curb financial leakages across the maritime value chain.
Participants will also explore opportunities for expanding the marine and blue economy, creating employment, strengthening maritime safety and security, and improving the overall competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The gathering is expected to attract heads of government agencies, managing directors of shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders and other prominent stakeholders across the maritime value chain.
NNMJ said the Unity Conference was conceived to promote informed dialogue, strengthen collaboration between public- and private-sector stakeholders, and advance policy initiatives capable of improving port efficiency, facilitating legitimate trade, boosting revenue performance and unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The organisation added that the conference would also underscore the important role of maritime journalism in promoting accountability, providing informed industry analysis and fostering constructive engagement on policies and reforms affecting the nation’s marine and blue economy.
Through the initiative, NNMJ seeks to contribute to the development of a more efficient, competitive and sustainable maritime industry through responsible journalism and stronger stakeholder collaboration.