The Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) convened its 2025 Annual Conference and Awards Ceremony at Rock View Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, bringing together top industry stakeholders to examine Nigeria’s readiness to harness the vast opportunities within its blue economy.
In her opening address, AMJON Acting President, Vera Osokpo, stressed that Nigeria stands at a defining moment as the global blue economy continues to expand rapidly, with estimates projecting a valuation of $2.5 trillion by 2030. She said Nigeria must take decisive steps to fully maximize its maritime and marine-based resources to diversify the economy, strengthen export trade, and enhance multimodal cargo transportation.
Osokpo noted that despite the country’s advantageous maritime position—marked by a long coastline, rich marine biodiversity, and a strategic location along global shipping routes—Nigeria remains overly dependent on crude oil. According to her, the blue economy presents a sustainable alternative capable of driving job creation, attracting investment, and improving national revenue.
The blue economy spans several industries including fisheries, shipping, maritime tourism, offshore energy, aquaculture, and emerging areas such as marine biotechnology and renewable ocean energy. Osokpo emphasized that unlocking these opportunities requires coordinated policy reforms, long-term investments, and partnerships among government agencies, private operators, and the media.
The high-profile event featured notable guests including the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola, the Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mojisola Miranda, and Chief Dr. Eugene Nweke, Head of Research, Sea Empowerment Research Centre, among others. Discussions centered on strengthening Nigeria’s export competitiveness, modernizing cargo handling systems, and developing efficient multimodal transportation networks.
The conference also recognised outstanding contributors to the maritime sector through the AMJON Awards, celebrating individuals whose work has advanced industry development and policy reform.
Osokpo reaffirmed the critical role of maritime journalists in shaping national discourse and advocating for accountability. She pledged AMJON’s continued commitment to reporting industry challenges, exposing inefficiencies, and championing reforms necessary to elevate Nigeria’s maritime profile.
She concluded by stating that the blue economy represents more than a sector—it is a national transformation movement that demands collective responsibility, innovation, and sustained commitment.
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AMJON Acting President, Vera Osokpo, has called for stronger collaboration and investment to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy as stakeholders gathered in Lagos for the 2025 AMJON Annual Conference and Awards. She urged reforms to boost export trade and expand multimodal cargo transport systems.
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