Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector converged in Lagos to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Annual Maritime Students and Youth Conference (AMSAY), a programme widely regarded as one of the industry’s most impactful youth development platforms.
The milestone event, held at the Mission to Seafarers Conference Hall in Apapa, brought together industry leaders, government officials, maritime professionals and students in a colourful gathering that combined celebration with reflection on a decade of sustained impact.
Speaking at the event, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Platforms Communications, Mr. Sylvanus Obasi, described AMSAY as a product of vision, persistence and collective commitment from stakeholders who have supported its growth since inception in 2016.
Obasi noted that the 10th edition carried special emotional significance as it was dedicated to the memories of four late maritime icons – Engr. Olu Akinsoji, Otunba Kunle Folarin, Barrister Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi and Hon. Dr. Chris Asoluka who were honoured posthumously for their contributions to mentorship and youth development in the industry.
He explained that the idea behind AMSAY was conceived after attending a student-focused programme in 2014, where concerns raised by students about career progression, cadetship opportunities and professional development exposed a critical gap in the sector.
Determined to address this gap, he developed a platform that would later evolve into a nationally recognised conference connecting maritime students with industry professionals for mentorship and career guidance.
Over the past decade, AMSAY has grown into a major interface between students and stakeholders, anchored on three core pillars – mentorship, succession planning and youth advocacy.
Through its initiatives, including the Maritime Career Mentoring Programme (M-CAMP), hundreds of students have gained access to experienced professionals across disciplines such as maritime law, shipping, logistics, marine engineering and nautical science.
In a goodwill message, the Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN) commended Platforms Communications for sustaining the initiative, describing it as a veritable platform for empowering young Nigerians and promoting maritime education.
Delivering the keynote address, Captain Waredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Operations and Technical at Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, emphasised that successful maritime nations are built on clear vision, strong institutions and sustained investment in infrastructure and human capital.
He challenged Nigeria to develop long-term strategies that will enhance port competitiveness, attract larger vessels and create employment opportunities for young professionals.
Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, also raised concerns over the declining opportunities for Nigerian seafarers, attributing the challenge to the shortage of vessels under the Nigerian flag.
“You cannot be a seafarer without ships”, he said, calling for urgent efforts to revive indigenous shipping companies to create sea-time opportunities for cadets.
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), represented by Mrs. Gloria Anyasodo, reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cabotage implementation through reforms aimed at boosting indigenous participation in coastal shipping.
Similarly, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) highlighted its interventions in reducing the cost of doing business at ports while continuing to support youth development through internships and mentorship programmes.
