NNMJ Unity Conference: Oyetola, Omatseye, Akabogu to Re-examine Maritime Sector Reforms

BY FUNMI ALUKO

​Key policymakers, maritime regulators, and industry stakeholders are scheduled to converge in Lagos on Friday, November 13, 2026, for the Network of Nigeria Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) Unity Conference to address critical issues shaping the future of the nation’s maritime sector.

​The high-level event with the theme “Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue,” will take place at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, starting at 11:00 a.m.

​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, is expected as the Special Guest of Honour. This is even as renowned maritime lawyer, Barrister Emeka Akabogu, SAN, is listed to deliver the keynote address.

​According to the organizers, the conference will focus on evaluating the performance, policy direction, and operational efficiency of the maritime sector under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Discussions will focus heavily on port modernization, infrastructure renewal, trade facilitation, and revenue generation.

​Delegates will also examine practical strategies to enhance the ease of doing business, curb financial leakages, expand the marine and blue economy, create jobs, and bolster maritime safety and security.

​In a joint statement issued by NNMJ Chairman, Elder Dele Aderibigbe, and Public Relations Officer, Jerry Aguigbo, the association emphasized that the gathering aims to foster constructive dialogue between public and private sector operators to maximize the sector’s contribution to national economic growth.

​The conference is expected to draw heads of government agencies, terminal operators, managing directors of shipping firms, freight forwarders, and other key players across the maritime value chain.

​The organizers added that the Unity Conference seeks to strengthen collaboration within the industry while reinforcing the role of maritime media in promoting accountability, policy analysis, and sustainable sector reforms.