Key stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector are set to converge in Lagos for a high-level conference aimed at addressing challenges and advancing efficiency in the nation’s ports.
The event, organised by the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON), will feature prominent industry figures, including the Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, who will chair the conference, and a former member of the House Committee on Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Muftau Egberoungbe, who will deliver the keynote address.
Also billed as Special Guests of Honour are the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western Command), Apapa, Lagos, CP Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja; the Customs Area Comptroller of Tincan Command, Comptroller Frank Onyeka; and the President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Francis Bunu.
The conference is scheduled to hold on April 30, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, scheduled to commence at 10:00 a.m. with the theme “Attaining Port Efficiency in the Face of Emerging Technology.”
Organisers say the conference will provide a platform for robust engagement on key issues affecting port operations, including infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, security, labour relations, and the role of technology in improving efficiency.
Sunmola is expected to draw from his extensive experience in maritime administration and logistics management to provide strategic direction for discussions, particularly in strengthening collaboration between government agencies and private sector operators.
Egberoungbe, in his keynote address, is expected to offer insights into policy and legislative frameworks required to reposition Nigeria’s marine and blue economy for sustainable growth and competitiveness.
The presence of senior security, customs, and labour leaders: Agbaminoja, Onyeka, and Bunu is also expected to enrich conversations around port security, trade facilitation, and workforce dynamics within the maritime industry.
Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mr. Raymond Tedunjaiye, described the conference as a credible forum for stakeholders to exchange ideas and propose practical solutions to longstanding challenges in the sector.
He noted that participants will include representatives from key agencies such as the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigeria Police Force, maritime unions, terminal operators, and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Other expected attendees include port managers, shipping companies, and freight forwarders.
A highlight of the event will be the presentation of awards to individuals and organisations in recognition of outstanding contributions to the maritime and business sectors. Award categories include Most Distinguished Female Entrepreneur of the Year, Most Resourceful Port Manager of the Year, and Most Outstanding Port Infrastructure Personality of the Year.
Tedunjaiye added that resolutions from the conference would be documented and forwarded to relevant government authorities to support policy development and sector reforms.
He reaffirmed AMJON’s commitment to fostering informed dialogue, strengthening collaboration among stakeholders, and promoting initiatives that enhance efficiency and competitiveness in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
