SIFAX, NIMASA advocate industry-academia partnership
GROUP Executive Chairman of SIFAX Dr. Taiwo Afolabi has emphasized the importance of connecting academic education with industry practices to establish Nigeria as Africa’s premier maritime nation.
He highlighted that the industry’s future relies on effective government policies and the cultivation of skilled, well-mentored professionals who can innovate and address ongoing challenges in the maritime sector.
Speaking at the 2026 Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime Conference at the University of Lagos, co-organized by SIFAX Group and the Maritime Forum, Afolabi, represented by SIFAX Group’s Group Coordinating Director, Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, stated that while Nigeria has long been described as a “sleeping giant” due to its vast coastline, ports, maritime trade opportunities, and employment potential, the emphasis must now shift from recognising the opportunities to empowering young people to seize them.
He urged young Nigerians to lead the transformation of the blue economy and highlighted the conference’s role in connecting students with policymakers, regulators, and business leaders to foster a knowledge-driven platform bridging academia and the maritime industry.
He emphasized the urgent necessity to educate a new wave of professionals to tap into the country’s blue economy potential, urging young individuals to move beyond textbooks, ask challenging questions, and interact directly with policymakers and maritime industry operators.
Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chudi Offodile, said the Federal Government prioritizes youth in its blue economy agenda by investing in maritime education, seafarer development, vessel financing, innovation, and maritime security.
What is more, initiatives like the Blue Economy Accelerator Initiative, the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme, and the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) are aimed at helping young Nigerians build careers, own vessels, and develop maritime technologies, thus contributing to national economic growth.
Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, Director-General of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), emphasized the need for a home-grown strategy for Nigeria’s marine and blue economy. She urged the development of policies based on Nigeria’s comparative advantages instead of replicating foreign models. Additionally, she praised the ongoing reforms in the industry, asserting that the continuation of policies and projects beyond the current administration is essential for long-term sustainability.
Esther Egwe, COO of Fleet Fence Limited, emphasized the need for Nigeria to equip youth with skills and opportunities, stating that technical knowledge alone is insufficient in the changing industry. She urged industry leaders to prioritize human capital development over investments in infrastructure and advocated for involving young professionals in maritime policy development to ensure sustainable growth in the sector.