Omatseye To Chair NNMJ Unity Conference As Oyetola, Akabogu Lead Maritime Stakeholders To Lagos
Omatseye To Chair NNMJ Unity Conference As Oyetola, Akabogu Lead Maritime Stakeholders To Lagos
By Success Okezie
The Nigerian maritime industry is set for a defining moment as the Network of Nigeria Maritime Journalists (NNMJ), the umbrella body of all maritime journalists in the country, convenes its Unity Conference on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the prestigious Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The conference, slated for 11:00 a.m., promises to be a high-powered convergence of policymakers, regulators, industry titans and key stakeholders to critically appraise the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector and its pivotal role in national economic growth.
With a sharp focus on the performance, policy thrust and operational efficiency of the maritime industry under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, the conference will dissect pressing issues around port modernisation, trade facilitation and revenue generation.
Chairing the event is former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Barrister Temisan Omatseye, a seasoned administrator and respected voice in maritime governance.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, will grace the occasion as the Special Guest of Honour, bringing Federal Government’s perspective on the Renewed Hope Agenda for the marine and blue economy.
The intellectual highlight of the day will be the keynote address to be delivered by renowned maritime lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Barrister Emeka Akabogu, SAN, on the theme: *“Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue.”*
According to the organisers, the Unity Conference is more than a gathering — it is a strategic platform for constructive engagement, frank dialogue and actionable solutions among government officials, maritime professionals and private-sector operators.
Discussions will centre on the urgent need for modernisation of seaports and renewal of critical infrastructure, streamlining trade facilitation processes, enhancing ease of doing business at the ports, boosting revenue generation and plugging financial leakages that have long plagued the system.
Beyond that, participants will explore emerging opportunities in the expanding marine and blue economy, strategies for job creation, strengthening maritime safety and security, and repositioning Nigeria’s maritime sector to compete favourably in the global maritime space.
The event is expected to attract an impressive lineup of dignitaries, including heads of maritime agencies, managing directors of shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, licensed customs agents, and other influential players across the maritime value chain.
Through the Unity Conference, NNMJ seeks to foster informed dialogue, deepen collaboration between the public and private sectors, and champion policy initiatives capable of enhancing port efficiency, facilitating legitimate trade, improving revenue performance and unlocking the vast, untapped potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The conference will also reinforce the indispensable role of the maritime media in promoting accountability, providing incisive industry analysis and driving constructive engagement on policies and reforms shaping the nation’s marine and blue economy.
Signed:
Elder Dele Aderibigbe*
Chairman, NNMJ
08023148914
Jerry Aguigbo
PRO, NNMJ
08029030104
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