Nigeria to Host First International Deep Seaport Investment Forum

BY KESIENNA SHEPHERDS

Pursuant to the further deepening of investment windows in the nation’s port greenfield areas, Maritime Media Ltd is putting together an International Deep Seaport Investment Forum, scheduled to hold on Monday, March 30, 2026, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The CEO of Maritime Media Ltd, Elder Asu Beks in his popular Whatsapp Platform ‘Maritime Elders Forum’ informed that the maiden edition of the forum, themed “Charting Economic Pathway for Nigeria’s Coastal States,” is expected to bring together government officials, industry leaders, financiers, and maritime stakeholders to deliberate on opportunities in deep seaport development and its role in boosting Nigeria’s coastal economy.

The organizer listed the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Mohammed Dantsoho to deliver the keynote address titled “Investment Opportunities in Deep Seaport Development: A Roadmap for Strategic Partnership.”

Elder Beks also stated that sessions will be chaired by prominent figures including Aare Adebayo Sarumi, Hassan Bello and Olisa Agbakoba, with Dr. Phillips Mshelbila of the Dangote Group also chairing a session.  Panel discussions will feature governors of Bayelsa, Ondo, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States, which is scheduled to be moderated by Mfon Usoro.

Other industry leaders including Princess Haastrup, the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, MD WACT Onne,   Taiwo Afolabi, and Enisuoh Warredi, who are expected to speak at the event is to be moderated by a former Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Ade Dosunmu.

Elder Beks hinted that financial experts including the MD Bank of Industry, MD Development Bank of Nigeria, MD Fidelity Bank, representatives of Afrexim/ADB, and maritime lawyer, Emeka Akabogu, will speak on financing, and the session is expected to be moderated by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy.

Key papers will be presented by the MD/CEO of AP Moller on “Port Competitiveness as a Model for Investment in Specialized Ports” and by the President of the Regional Maritime Development Institution on “Financing Deep Seaport Infrastructure: The Role of Development Finance Institutions.”

While the Special Guest of Honour is His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, President of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote will serve as Chairman of the forum; the Local Organizing Committee is chaired by Prince Olayiwola Shittu, JP. The event is is expected to set the tone for strategic partnerships that will drive Nigeria’s maritime and coastal development agenda.