The SIFAX Group has challenged Nigerian youths to rise and take ownership of the nation’s maritime future, emphasizing that for Nigeria to emerge as Africa’s leading blue economy, the country must intentionally build a generation of skilled, forward-thinking, and well-mentored maritime professionals.
This call was made by the Group Coordinating Director of SIFAX Group, Mrs. Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, who represented the Group Executive Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, at the 2026 edition of the Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime Conference held at the University of Lagos.
The landmark event, themed “Ten Tides of Impact: Raising a Generation to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Blue Giant”, brought together over 2,000 delegates including government officials, academics, maritime industry players, and private sector leaders to celebrate 10 years of impact from one of Africa’s most influential student-led maritime platforms.
Delivering Dr. Afolabi’s address, Mrs. Eniola-Jegede noted that while Nigeria is richly blessed with maritime resources, the real catalyst for growth will be human capital development.
“For many years, we referred to Nigeria’s blue economy as a sleeping giant. But this year’s theme sends a stronger message. It declares that the giant must wake up, and that the generation to wake it is seated right here in this hall,” she said.
She encouraged students to seek mentorship, ask bold questions, and equip themselves with the knowledge and character needed to lead the sector.
According to her, what began as a modest student initiative by the Maritime Forum, University of Lagos in partnership with SIFAX Group has now evolved into West Africa’s largest student-driven maritime conference. The platform continues to close the gap between classroom learning and real-world industry practice by connecting young talents directly with policymakers, regulators, and business executives.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Director, Finance and Administration of NIMASA, Mr. Chudi Offodile, delivered the keynote address on behalf of the Director General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola.
He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to place young Nigerians at the heart of the blue economy strategy through strategic investments in maritime education, seafarer training, vessel financing, innovation, and maritime security.
He further highlighted key government interventions such as the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme (NSDP), the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), and the Blue Economy Accelerator Initiative. According to him, these programmes are designed to create viable career paths, enable vessel ownership, and foster innovation for young Nigerians seeking to build a future in the maritime sector.
The 2026 TAAM Conference once again reinforced the message that Nigeria’s maritime destiny will not be shaped by potential alone, but by the capacity, vision, and leadership of its young people.
