HIGHLIGHT ON A 3-DAY EXECUTIVE PROGRAMME ON NIGERIA’S BLUE ECONOMY POLICY
The International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION) hosted a 3-day Executive Programme on Nigeria’s Blue Economy Policy from April 15 to 17, 2026, at the IMION Auditorium in Apapa, Lagos. It was designed for C-Suite executives positioned to develop and implement policies or design implementation strategies. The Programme convened a distinguished gathering of policymakers, maritime professionals, academics and key industry stakeholders for high-level knowledge exchange, policy dialogue and strategic collaboration.
Participants included representatives from the Nigerian Navy (NN), Naval Dockyard Limited (NDL), Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria Immigrations Service (NIS), Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) as well as ARCO Marine and Oilfields Services Limited. Others are, Ocean Marine Solutions Limited (OMS), Dangote Ports Operations, Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL), Apapa Bulk Terminal Limited (ABTL), National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA), Lingsterl International Energy Limited (LIEL), BENIPS Nigeria Limited and Pan-African Institute, amongst several other notable public and private institutions’ within Nigeria’s Maritime sector.
The Executive Programme commenced with a formal opening ceremony, some virtual Participants joined online via zoom notably, Prof. Akaniyene Edet Ekong, Mr Uwemedemino Nwoko SAN, Dr. Olatunbosun Okpeseyi and Mr Ebenezer Adeyemi from the PAN-AFRICAN Institute. A highlight was the unveiling of IMION’s maiden edition newsletter by the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas (Admiralty Medal) ably represented by the Flag Officer Commanding Naval Doctrine Command, Rear Admiral Bob-Manuel Effiong. The IMION Newsletter is the official publication series of the Institute, poised to become a veritable compendium of marine research, policy advocacy and ocean governance. The publication represents a significant milestone in documenting and projecting the activities, achievements and strategic perspectives of the Institute. It is intended to serve as a credible platform for information dissemination, professional discourse and institutional memory. The Special Guest of Honour described the publication as a strategic tool for strengthening communication, fostering intellectual engagement and advancing Institutional growth within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The first presentation, Introduction to the Blue Economy, was delivered by Barr. Mrs Mfon Ekong Usoro, setting the tone for a comprehensive understanding of the concept and its relevance to national development. This was followed by an insightful session on Nigeria’s Blue Economy Policy Landscape, presented by Mrs Funke Agbo, SAN, which provided participants with a detailed overview of existing frameworks and policy directions shaping the maritime sector. Each session was complemented by interactive discussions, enabling participants to engage meaningfully and contribute to the discourse.
Day 2 of the programme progressed into more specialized discussions: Strategic Sectors and Opportunities as well as Policy Challenges, Sustainability, and Governance which were delivered by Prof. Comfort Etok. Her presentations offered deep insights into sectoral potential, regulatory considerations, and sustainable development pathways within Nigeria’s Blue Economy. Another highlight of the day was a guided tour onboard Nigerian Navy Ship UNITY, where participants gained firsthand exposure to maritime operations and security infrastructure, effectively bridging theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
Day 3, the final day, featured a capstone session where participants grouped into 4 syndicates made presentations on strategic policy implementation briefs addressing critical challenges and opportunities within the Blue Economy space. The presentations demonstrated the depth of knowledge acquired during the programme and reflected innovative, solution-driven thinking.
The 3-day Executive Programme ended with the presentation of certificates to participants and closing remarks by the Director General, Rear Admiral Thaddeus Christopher Udofia (rtd) Ph.D. In his remarks, he reiterated a renewed commitment to advancing Nigeria’s Blue Economy through sustained collaboration, capacity building, and policy innovation.
