‘Marine and Blue Economy Policy Already Transforming Sector, Maritime Training’ Okonna

 BY EGUONO ODJEGBA

Dr. Okonna, Ag Rector MAN

In a heartening display of reform-driven leadership, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, under the stewardship of Honourable Minister Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, is making waves across Nigeria’s maritime sector, with visible results already manifesting most notably at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron.

MAN Oron Acting Rector, Dr. Kevin Okonna who revealed the development during a two-day Management Retreat and Ministerial Handholding Session held at the institution, noted that the policy framework is already attracting dividends with shipping companies already opening their doors to absorb cadets for the mandatory sea time training, amongst other derivatives.

Dr. Okonna explained that Cadets training opportunities with shipping companies is an essential step in preparing cadets for real-world maritime challenges. He expressed deep appreciation for the Minister’s visionary policy design, which has catalyzed a culture of performance, accountability, and digital innovation within the institution.

The retreat which focused on the implementation of the Performance Management System (PMS) and Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS), marked a significant milestone in aligning the Academy with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Representing the Minister, Hajia Ibrahim Kalthum, Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, emphasized that these reforms are not just bureaucratic upgrades but are strategic tools to elevate service delivery and global competitiveness.

Dr. Okonna echoed this sentiment, highlighting how the PMS has helped streamline departmental goals and individual responsibilities, while the ECMS is revolutionizing record-keeping and interdepartmental collaboration. “This is not just reform—it’s transformation,” he said.

(From R)The Representative of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hajia Ibrahim Kalthum, Director, Research and Strategic Development, Dr. John Adeyanju and the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr. Kevin Okonna, shortly after signing the 2025 Departmental Performance Bond during the Management Retreat and Ministerial Handholding for the Performance Management System and Enterprise Content Management System in the Academy recently

He explained that consequent on the Ministry’s forward-thinking policies, the Academy has already trained over 4,700 Seafarers and Dockworkers in 2024 alone. This is even as he notes MAN’s enhanced staff capacity, provision of digital tools, and strategic partnerships with industry bodies like NIMASA and international organizations which has helped in positioning MAN Oron as a beacon of maritime excellence.

The Acting Rector said that in a bid to further professionalize its cadet programs, the Academy is registering students with prestigious bodies such as the Institute of Nautical Studies, IMarEST, and CILT Nigeria. These affiliations ensure cadets benefit from global best practices and networking opportunities that will serve them throughout their careers.

(From R)The Representative of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hajia Ibrahim Kalthum, the Ag. Registrar of the Academy, Mr. P. M. Netson, and the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr. Kevin Okonna, shortly after signing the 2025 Departmental Performance Bond during the Management Retreat

The retreat culminated in the signing of the 2025 Departmental Performance Bond—a symbolic and strategic commitment by Directors and Heads of Departments to uphold the Academy’s deliverables in line with the Ministry’s mandate.

Summing up the event after the signing of the performance bond, Okonna summed said, “The Honourable Minister’s  leadership has not only elevated the Ministry’s performance ratings but has also empowered institutions like ours to dream bigger, deliver better, and lead boldly.”

With reforms now in full swing and the Academy embracing its role as a trailblazer, the marine and blue economy sector in Nigeria is sailing into a future defined by innovation, integrity, and impact.