Maritime Journalists Network: Omatseye Chairs Unity Conference As Blue Economy Minister, Oyetola, Akabogu SAN, Take Frontal Seats

The Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ), the umbrella body of all maritime journalists, is set to host its unity conference on Friday, November 13 2026, at the Airport Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos.

A statement jointly signed by the NNMJ Chairman, Elder Dele Aderibigbe, and the Public Relations Officer, Jerry Aguigbo, said the conference would bring together key policymakers, maritime regulators, industry leaders and other stakeholders to examine the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The Network said the conference, scheduled to commence at 11.00 a.m., would focus on the performance, policy direction and operational efficiency of the maritime industry under the Tinubu Administration, with particular emphasis on port modernisation, trade facilitation and revenue generation.

On the dignitaries expected to attend and perform special roles, the statement indicated that “A 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, will attend as the Special Guest of Honour.”

Renowned maritime lawyer, Emeka Akabogu, SAN, will deliver the keynote address at the event with the theme “Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue.”

*Barr. Temisan Omatseye

“The conference is expected to provide a platform for constructive engagement among government officials, maritime professionals and private-sector operators on practical strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s maritime industry and maximising its contributions to national economic growth.”

“Key areas of discussion will include the modernisation of seaports and renewal of critical infrastructure, improved trade facilitation, enhanced ease of doing business, revenue growth and measures to curb financial leakage,” the statement reads in part.

Participants are expected to examine opportunities for expanding the marine and blue economy, creating employment, strengthening maritime safety and security, and improving the overall competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The gathering would attract heads of government agencies, managing directors of shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders, and other prominent stakeholders across the maritime value chain.

The NNMJ added, according to the statement, that “Through the Unity Conference, NNMJ seeks to encourage informed dialogue, strengthen collaboration between public and private-sector stakeholders, and promote policy initiatives that would enhance port efficiency, facilitate legitimate trade, improve revenue performance and unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s maritime sector.”

The body expressed confidence that the conference would reinforce the role of the maritime media in promoting accountability, providing informed industry analysis and advancing constructive engagement on policies and reforms affecting the nation’s marine and blue economy.