Nigeria’s Blue Economy Needs Storytellers, Says Naval Dockyard Boss

The Admiral Superintendent of the Naval Dockyard Limited, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, has encouraged storytellers to take Nigeria’s maritime narrative to the global stage via maritime literature, urging participants of the 2025 Maritime Writes Project Creative Writing Bootcamp to approach the craft with “focus, discipline, and a deep sense of responsibility.”

Speaking at the official opening of the programme at the Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos, Shehu described the Naval Dockyard as more than a hub for ship maintenance and construction, but as a nerve centre where engineering precision, skilled craftsmanship, and strategic vision converge to safeguard maritime security and drive the nation’s shipping industry.

“This is not just about ships and steel. It is about ideas, expression, and the power of words to shape perceptions, attract investment, and influence policy,” he told the 60 selected participants at the opening ceremony of the 5th Creative Writing Bootcamp.

Rear Admiral Shehu expressed optimism that the published literary works could position Nigeria more competitively among the world’s leading maritime nations, even as he stressed that the blue economy sector is a strategic economic pillar closely tied to industries such as security, fisheries, oceanography, tourism, oil and gas, renewable energy, port logistics, among others.

“When creative writing reflects these sectors,” he said, “it does more than inspire — it educates the public, promotes trade, and strengthens national identity.”

He emphasised that well-crafted narratives have the power to drive innovation, influence decision-makers, and spotlight opportunities for growth.

“Your pen is as critical to the sector’s future as any vessel in our Navy fleet,” Rear Admiral Shehu told the creative writers.

Rear Admiral Shehu also encouraged the participants to make pertinent observations during the guided tour of key maritime facilities will give them first-hand exposure to operational realities, sectoral challenges, and opportunities ripe for investment.

In his remarks, the Acting Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, who was represented by the Head of Library, Musa Muhammad Auwal, said the theme of this year’s edition “Blue Odyssey: Securing Nigeria’s EEZ, Ports and Blue Economy – Stories of Sea Guardians, Trade Routes and Coastal Adventures” resonates with the commitment of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON, towards ensuring Nigeria becomes Africa’s leading maritime hub.

“The Maritime Writes Project is more than just writing – it anchors our heritage and sets new horizons of thought. At MAN Oron, we recognise that the maritime industry is not only powered by ships and ports but also by ideas, knowledge, and the timeless power of written words.

“Through initiatives such as this, stories of our courageous seafarers, innovations in shipping, and the struggles and triumphs of our maritime professionals are told and documented for coming generations to learn from and be inspired by,” the Rector remarked.

Earlier, the Coordinator of Maritime Writes Project Creative Writing Bootcamp, Ezinne Azunna, stressed that participants will not only hone their storytelling craft but will also be privileged to interact directly with industry leaders whose decisions shape Nigeria’s maritime direction.

She disclosed that the initiative began with a simple conviction that stories, especially fiction, shape the way the world understands the sea and with a firm resolve to help grow the body of published maritime fiction, which currently makes up a worrisome one percent of all fiction from Africa.

Her words: “Since our inception, we have trained over 200 people across Nigeria, hosted 18 Captains of Industry and professionals as guest mentors, been guided by seven dedicated faculty members, and supported by 12 committed volunteers. Except for the four out of 23 participants in our early days who paid a subsidised fee of N10,000, every bootcamp since then has been offered at no cost to participants.

“Over the years, our Creative Writing Bootcamps have explored themes ranging from seaports, diving, and climate change to marine pollution, rising sea levels, and maritime heritage. At least three alumni have gone on to win national and international writing awards, achievements they attribute in part to this programme. We have published 17 maritime-themed short stories across three compendiums, all authored by participants of the Maritime Writes Project. Our tours to Bonny Island and the Osun-Osogbo Grove have further immersed participants in the cultural, economic, and environmental narratives of our waters.”

The opening ceemony was graced by several eminent maritime personalities including; a former General Manager of Public Affairs and Planning at Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Chief Christopher Botha; the Founder of Ocean Ambassadors Foundation (OAF), Hon. Olaitan Williams; Director General of Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Mrs. Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike; Port Security Officer, Lagos Ports Complex, Mr. Bukar Kaumi; President of African Women’s Fish Processors and Traders Network (AWFISHNET), Mrs. Funmi Shelika; President of Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN), Mr. Godfrey Bivbere; among others.