Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group, has called for a total overhaul of Nigeria’s port infrastructure, describing it as critical to unlocking the full potential of the nation’s blue economy.
Speaking at the 7th Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Conference, held at the University of Lagos over the weekend, Afolabi said Nigeria’s maritime sector remains underutilised despite its vast coastline and economic potential.
“Nigeria’s blue economy is a sleeping giant. With the right infrastructure, we can drive efficiency in our ports, create new jobs, attract much-needed investments, and protect our marine environment for future generations,” Afolabi said.
He stressed that modern, resilient, and sustainable port facilities are essential to making Nigeria’s ports globally competitive.
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who was the Special Guest of Honour, outlined key government reforms aimed at repositioning the maritime industry as a major pillar of the national economy.
Oyetola highlighted the recently launched National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as a coordinated framework to harness opportunities in ports, fisheries, ocean governance, marine biotechnology, renewable energy, and coastal tourism.
He also pointed to major projects underway, including the Western Ports Rehabilitation Programme and the reconstruction of the Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports. The Minister revealed plans to revive Nigeria’s National Shipping Carrier through a public-private partnership, which he said would boost indigenous participation in global trade.
Sustainability, Oyetola stressed, will remain at the core of the sector’s transformation, with a focus on energy efficiency, carbon emissions reduction, and waste management.
The Minister also highlighted Nigeria’s improved maritime security, noting that the country has recorded zero piracy incidents in its waters for three consecutive years — a development that has stabilised the Gulf of Guinea and earned global commendation.
In addition, he disclosed Nigeria’s ambition to secure a Category “C” seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, positioning the country to contribute to shaping global maritime policies.
Oyetola further called on academic institutions to collaborate with the government in advancing maritime research, particularly in frontier areas such as marine robotics and emerging blue economy technologies.
The annual maritime conference, jointly organised by SIFAX Group and the Maritime Forum, University of Lagos, has become one of the country’s leading platforms for critical discourse, policy development, and industry collaboration in the maritime space.
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