Maritime Journalists Close Ranks, Set to Host Unity Conference November 13
Maritime media organisations in Nigeria are set to strengthen collaboration and promote a unified voice for the industry as the Network of Nigeria Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) prepares to host its Unity Conference on November 13, 2026, in Lagos.
The conference, scheduled to hold at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, is expected to bring together policymakers, maritime regulators, industry leaders, professionals and other stakeholders to deliberate on the challenges and growth prospects of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
With the theme, “Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue,” the conference will examine the performance, policy direction and operational efficiency of the maritime industry under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, with particular focus on port modernisation, trade facilitation and revenue generation.
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 to attend as the Special Guest of Honour.
Renowned maritime lawyer, Barrister Emeka Akabogu, SAN, will deliver the keynote address at the event, which is scheduled to commence at 11:00 a.m.
The gathering is expected to provide a platform for stakeholders to assess ongoing reforms in the maritime sector and identify practical measures to improve port operations, facilitate legitimate trade and strengthen the industry’s contribution to national economic development.
Discussions will centre on the modernisation of seaports, renewal of critical infrastructure, improved trade facilitation, ease of doing business, revenue growth and measures to address financial leakages.
Participants will also explore opportunities for expanding Nigeria’s marine and blue economy, generating employment, strengthening maritime safety and security, and improving the competitiveness of the nation’s maritime industry.
The conference is expected to attract heads of government agencies, managing directors of shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders and other stakeholders across the maritime value chain.
Beyond the industry discussions, the Unity Conference is expected to underscore the importance of collaboration among maritime media organisations in promoting professionalism, responsible journalism and constructive engagement on policies affecting the sector.
The NNMJ said the initiative was aimed at encouraging informed dialogue, strengthening public-private sector partnerships and promoting policy initiatives that would enhance port efficiency, improve revenue performance and unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
It also noted that the maritime media has a critical role to play in promoting accountability, providing informed industry analysis and advancing constructive engagement on reforms affecting the nation’s marine and blue economy.
The conference is being organised under the leadership of the NNMJ Chairman, Elder Dele Aderibigbe, while Jerry Aguigbo serves as the organisation’s Public Relations Officer.
