By Correspondent in Lagos.
Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group, has called for an urgent overhaul of Nigeria’s port infrastructure, describing it as the foundation for unlocking the vast potential of the country’s maritime industry.
Speaking through Mrs. Wunmi Jegede, Group Coordinating Director of SIFAX Group, at the 7th edition of the Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Conference held at the University of Lagos, Afolabi emphasized that modern, resilient infrastructure is key to improving efficiency and competitiveness in Nigerian ports.
Our correspondent reports that this year’s conference carried the theme: “Blue Economy Innovations: The Sustainable Impact of Infrastructure Development and Modernisation in Maritime.”
“Nigeria’s blue economy is a sleeping giant. “If properly harnessed, it can create jobs, strengthen ports, attract investments, and safeguard our environment for future generations,”Afolabi stated.
He noted that the TAAM Conference, a collaboration between SIFAX Group and the Maritime Forum of the University of Lagos, has become one of Nigeria’s most respected platforms for maritime policy discourse and industry-academic collaboration.
“Our goal has always been to create a knowledge-driven platform where students engage with policy influencers and industry leaders. I am proud that this vision continues to thrive,” he added.
The Special Guest of Honour at the event,Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, represented by Dr. Mercy Ilori, Director of Maritime Services at the Ministry, outlined the Federal Government’s ambitious reform agenda.
According to him, the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry is a strategic move by the Bola Tinubu administration to harness Nigeria’s extensive marine resources for national development.
“We are not just building infrastructure; we are building the future. Innovation must drive our approach to rehabilitation, environmental stewardship, and partnerships,” Oyetola stated.
He revealed that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which serves as a framework for development across key sectors including ports, fisheries, marine biotechnology, ocean governance, renewable energy, coastal tourism, and climate resilience.
Oyetola announced key infrastructure projects already underway.to include: Rehabilitation of Apapa and Tin Can Island Ports under the Western Ports Renewal Programme,Procurement processes ongoing for Eastern Port modernization and Digital initiatives like the Port Community System and One-Stop-Shop platforms improving cargo handling and transparency
On shipping development, Oyetola reaffirmed government’s plans to revive the National Shipping Carrier via Public-Private Partnership and to disburse the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) to strengthen indigenous shipping capacity.
He assured stakeholders that infrastructure upgrades would be aligned with sustainable and energy-efficient practices, including waste reduction, emissions control, and recycling initiatives.
The minister also announced Nigeria’s formal campaign to secure a Category “C” seat on the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council, positioning the country for greater influence in global maritime policy.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Jean-Chiazor Anishere (SAN), Vice President of the Port Consultative Council (PCC), stressed the importance of building smart, inclusive, and environmentally friendly ports.
Represented by a maritime lawyer, Mrs. Gloria Kanabe, Anishere urged maritime stakeholders to prioritize sustainability alongside growth.
“The oceans we build on must be the oceans we protect. Our development choices today will determine whether we sustainably harness maritime resources—or cause irreversible damage,”she said.
She encouraged students and young professionals to embrace innovation, take on leadership roles, and actively shape a more resilient and inclusive maritime future.
The Dean of the Faculty of Law, Prof. Abiola Sanni (SAN), commended Dr. Afolabi for his vision and commitment to youth development and industry-academia synergy.
He described the TAAM Conference as an outstanding platform for bridging theory and practice, urging the maritime industry to provide structured internship opportunities for students to enhance real-world learning.
In his remarks, Mr. Enoch Aderounmu, President of the Maritime Forum, University of Lagos, emphasized the role of youths as current, not future.
“We must lead with innovation, ethics, and collaboration. Our generation must be the catalyst for transformation in Nigeria’s maritime space,” he stated.
Aderounmu highlighted the Forum’s decade-long journey, including initiatives like the Maritime Masterclass, internship placements, and an educational excursion to the Lekki Deep Sea Port, which have impacted thousands of students nationwide.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
