A DECADE OF IMPACT: TAIWO AFOLABI MARITIME CONFERENCE RETURNS TO UNILAG JULY 20

A DECADE OF IMPACT: TAIWO AFOLABI MARITIME CONFERENCE RETURNS TO UNILAG JULY 20
By Prince Benson Davies

Ten years after it began, the Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime Conference, TAAM, is set for its landmark 10th edition with SIFAX Group and the Maritime Forum, University of Lagos, leading preparations to host over 2,000 delegates from government, academia, industry and the media.

The conference, now regarded as West Africa’s biggest student-driven maritime gathering, will hold on July 20 and 21, 2026 at the University of Lagos. Organisers said the anniversary edition will be used to reflect on a decade of youth engagement, policy dialogue and capacity building in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

In a statement released at the weekend, SIFAX Group confirmed the dates and theme: “Ten Tides of Impact: Raising a Generation to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Blue Giant.” According to the company, the theme captures the goal of grooming young professionals who can help Nigeria maximize its blue economy potential.

SIFAX Group has been the conference’s principal sponsor since 2016. The company said its continued support is aimed at closing the gap between classroom learning and industry practice, while also sparking interest in maritime careers among university students.

A lineup of speakers is expected for the two-day event. They include NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola; UNILAG Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Folasade Ogunsola; Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Oluwaseun Osiyemi; maritime lawyer, Dr. Emeka Akabogu; WISTA Nigeria President, Dr. Odunayo Ani; representatives of the Danish Consulate; and other leaders from government and private sector organisations. Keynote addresses, panel sessions and policy conversations will focus on innovation, governance, and investment in the maritime industry.

President of the Maritime Forum, Dare Tunde Damilola, described the 10th edition as more than a celebration. He said it is designed as a legacy platform to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry, and to prepare the next generation of maritime leaders and policymakers. He noted that the conference will also provide students with networking, mentorship and career opportunities.

Group Head, Corporate Communications at SIFAX Group, Olumuyiwa Akande, said the conference has grown into a strategic bridge between theory and practice. He added that it continues to expose students to real-world industry challenges and solutions.

One of the major highlights will be the anniversary edition of the Blueprint Debate Competition. Launched alongside TAAM in 2016, the competition has become a nationally recognized platform where students debate issues around maritime policy, governance and the economy.

Organisers expect participants from universities across Nigeria, maritime agencies, shipping companies, terminal operators, and development partners