SIFAX, UNILAG Group to Host 10th Taiwo Afolabi Maritime Conference July 20–21

The Maritime Forum of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), in partnership with SIFAX Group, is set to host the 10th edition of the Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime Conference (TAAM), with more than 2,000 participants expected to gather for what has become West Africa’s largest student-led maritime conference.
Scheduled to hold from July 20 to 21, 2026, the milestone conference will bring together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders, academics, students, corporate organisations and media practitioners to celebrate a decade of promoting maritime education, youth development and industry collaboration.
The anniversary edition is themed “Ten Tides of Impact: Raising a Generation to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Blue Giant,” reflecting the organisers’ commitment to nurturing future leaders capable of driving the growth and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Over the past 10 years, SIFAX Group has remained the conference’s principal supporter, helping transform TAAM into one of the country’s foremost platforms for maritime policy dialogue, youth engagement and capacity development.
The 2026 conference will feature keynote presentations, high-level panel discussions and policy conversations led by some of Nigeria’s leading maritime and public sector personalities.
Among the expected speakers are the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; maritime lawyer Dr. Emeka Akabogu; the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola; Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi; President of the Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association Nigeria, Dr. Odunayo Ani; alongside representatives of the Danish Consulate and other leading maritime organisations.
President of the Maritime Forum, Dare Tunde Damilola, described the 10th edition as more than a commemorative event, saying it represents a legacy platform designed to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry while preparing a new generation of maritime professionals, innovators and policy leaders.
According to him, the conference will promote robust conversations on the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector, bridge the gap between students and industry practitioners, encourage innovation and leadership among young people, deepen stakeholder collaboration across the maritime value chain, and create opportunities for networking, mentorship and career development.
Speaking on SIFAX Group’s continued partnership with the conference, Group Head of Corporate Communications, Olumuyiwa Akande, said the company remains committed to supporting initiatives that connect classroom learning with practical industry experience.
He noted that TAAM has become a strategic platform for inspiring university students to explore careers within the maritime sector while equipping them with the knowledge, exposure and professional networks required to succeed.Akande added that the conference aligns with SIFAX Group’s broader commitment to human capital development and the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry through education, innovation and youth empowerment.
One of the major attractions of this year’s programme will be the special anniversary edition of the Blueprint Debate Competition, one of TAAM’s flagship intellectual engagements.
Introduced alongside the conference in 2016, the competition has grown into a nationally recognised platform where university students debate topical issues relating to maritime development, economic policy, governance and national development.
Organisers say the competition continues to sharpen critical thinking, research and public speaking skills among participants while encouraging evidence-based policy discussions on issues affecting Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sectors.
Now in its 10th year, the Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime Conference has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most influential maritime knowledge platforms, fostering stronger partnerships between universities, government agencies and private sector operators while inspiring young professionals to contribute to the transformation of the nation’s maritime industry.
UNILAG and SIFAX Group will host the 10th Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime Conference (TAAM) on July 20–21, 2026, bringing together over 2,000 stakeholders to advance maritime education, youth leadership and Nigeria’s blue economy.