By Bamidele Famoofo
WorldStage– SIFAX Group has called on young Nigerians to prepare themselves to lead the country’s maritime transformation, stressing that Nigeria’s aspiration to become Africa’s blue economy powerhouse rests on developing a new generation of skilled, innovative and well-mentored professionals.
The charge was delivered on behalf of the Group Executive Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, by the Group Coordinating Director, Mrs Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, at the 2026 Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Conference held at the University of Lagos. The conference attracted more than 2,000 participants from government, academia, the maritime industry and the private sector to commemorate a decade of one of Africa’s foremost student-led maritime platforms.
The blue economy speaks to using ocean, sea, rivers, and coastal resources sustainably for economic growth, jobs and food security. For Nigeria, Africa’s fourth largest economy by GDP, the blue economy is perceived as a game changer because of its vast bodies of water. Available data shows that Nigeria has over 853km of coastline, 200 nautical miles exclusive economic zone, and major inland waterways.
Speaking on the conference theme, “Ten Tides of Impact: Raising a Generation to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Blue Giant,” Afolabi said Nigeria’s maritime future would be determined not merely by its natural endowments, but by its investment in human capital.
“For years, we described Nigeria’s blue economy as a sleeping giant. This year’s theme says something bolder. It says the giant is meant to rise, and that the generation to raise it is sitting in this hall,” the address stated, urging students to embrace mentorship, ask difficult questions and prepare themselves for leadership in the maritime sector.
According to Afolabi, the conference, organised by the Maritime Forum, University of Lagos, in partnership with SIFAX Group, has grown from a modest student initiative into West Africa’s largest student-led maritime conference, providing a unique platform that bridges the gap between academic learning and industry practice by connecting students with policymakers, regulators and business leaders.
The event also featured a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, by the Agency’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chudi Offodile. The keynote highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to positioning young people at the centre of Nigeria’s blue economy agenda through investments in maritime education, seafarer development, vessel financing, innovation and security.
It noted that initiatives such as the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme, the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund and the Blue Economy Accelerator Initiative are creating opportunities for young Nigerians to build careers, own vessels, develop maritime technologies and drive the country’s emergence as Africa’s blue economy leader.
Other highlights of the anniversary edition included policy dialogues, panel discussions and the Blueprint Debate Competition, a flagship initiative that has evolved into a nationally recognised platform where university students engage in debates on maritime, governance and public policy issues.
