Stakeholders to explore technology, security, investment as pathways to Nigeria’s $1tn economy ambition
The Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP), in collaboration with the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ), is set to bring together key national stakeholders across the maritime, security, technology and investment sectors for its 2026 Annual Conference.
The conference, scheduled for Wednesday, November 25, 2026, at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, will begin at 10:00 a.m. and focus on the role of digital transformation in unlocking the economic potential of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.
With the theme, “Leveraging the Digital Transformation of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy to Achieve the $1 Trillion Economy Target by 2030″, the conference will examine how technology, strategic investments and institutional reforms can accelerate the growth of the maritime sector and contribute to the Federal Government’s economic expansion target.
Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy is widely regarded as a critical driver of economic diversification, employment generation, foreign direct investment and international trade competitiveness. Its vast opportunities span port operations, shipping, fisheries, offshore energy, maritime logistics and coastal infrastructure.
However, much of this potential remains untapped, underscoring the need for deliberate policies, technological innovation and stronger private-sector participation.
Against this backdrop, the conference is expected to provide a high-level platform for examining practical approaches to translating the sector’s enormous resources into measurable economic gains.
Discussions will centre on five key areas: digital transformation and port modernisation; maritime security and the protection of critical national assets; investment mobilisation and private-sector participation; Customs modernisation and trade competitiveness; and sustainable development of the Blue Economy.
The conference will be chaired by Chief Hakeem Olanrewaju, while Dr. Obiora Madu will deliver the Chief Guest Speaker’s address. Dr. Eugene Nweke will moderate the proceedings.
A major highlight will be the security presentation by Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.
Enisuoh will speak on “Securing the Blue Economy’s Critical Assets and Infrastructure: The Tantita Example”, examining the importance of maritime security in protecting investments, safeguarding critical infrastructure and creating an enabling environment for sustainable economic activities.
Other distinguished guests of honour include CONMMEP Patrons, Dr. Rafiu Ladipo and Dr. Azubuike Majesty Nwanaayoeze, as well as CONMMEP Partners, Dr. Azeez Mustapha and Nze Chidiogo Okpara.
The gathering is expected to attract policymakers, regulators, maritime administrators, technology specialists, investors and industry leaders for discussions on the future of Nigeria’s maritime economy.
According to the organisers, the conference is conceived as a collaborative platform for strengthening engagement between government and the private sector, promoting policy coherence, improving institutional coordination and stimulating investment partnerships.
Particular attention will be given to opportunities in digital infrastructure, maritime surveillance, logistics development and sustainable resource management.
The organisers believe that achieving Nigeria’s $1 trillion economy ambition will require more than the expansion of traditional economic activities. It will also depend on the country’s ability to harness technology, strengthen critical infrastructure, improve trade facilitation and position its maritime assets as competitive drivers of national prosperity.
The Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP) is the umbrella body of seasoned journalists covering the maritime, trade, finance and logistics sectors across print, broadcast and digital media platforms.
The organisation is committed to credible, development-oriented journalism and constructive engagement with industry stakeholders to advance national development.
Conference Details
Event: 2026 CONMMEP Annual Conference
Theme: Leveraging the Digital Transformation of Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy to Achieve the $1 Trillion Economy Target by 2030
Date: Wednesday, November 25, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Venue: Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos
Organisers: CONMMEP in collaboration with NNMJ
Partnership and Sponsorship
Government agencies, regulatory institutions, financial organisations, technology companies, terminal operators, shipping companies and development partners are invited to participate through sponsorship, exhibitions and institutional partnerships.