SIFAX GROUP URGES YOUTH TO DRIVE NIGERIA’S EMERGENCE AS AFRICA’S BLUE ECONOMY LEADER

SIFAX GROUP URGES YOUTH TO DRIVE NIGERIA’S EMERGENCE AS AFRICA’S BLUE ECONOMY LEADER
By Prince Benson Davies

LAGOS – SIFAX Group has challenged young Nigerians to take ownership of the country’s maritime future, saying the drive to position Nigeria as Africa’s leading blue economy nation depends on building a generation of skilled, innovative and forward-thinking professionals.

The call was made at the 2026 Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime, TAAM Conference held at the University of Lagos. The event, which marked 10 years of the student-led platform, drew over 2,000 participants including government officials, regulators, academics, industry operators and private sector leaders.

Delivering the goodwill message on behalf of the Group Executive Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, the Group Coordinating Director, Mrs. Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, said Nigeria’s natural maritime endowments alone will not guarantee growth. She stressed that sustainable progress will come from deliberate investment in people, mentorship and capacity development.

Speaking on the theme, “Ten Tides of Impact: Raising a Generation to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Blue Giant,” Mrs. Eniola-Jegede noted that the conversation around the blue economy has shifted from potential to action.

“For years we called the blue economy a sleeping giant. This year’s theme says the giant must rise, and the generation to wake it is right here in this hall,” she told the audience. “I urge you to seek mentors, ask tough questions, and prepare to lead the transformation of our maritime sector.”

She added that the TAAM Conference, organised by the Maritime Forum, University of Lagos in partnership with SIFAX Group, has grown from a small student initiative into West Africa’s largest student-led maritime gathering. According to her, the platform now serves as a bridge between classroom learning and industry practice by connecting students directly with policymakers, regulators and business leaders.

A keynote address delivered on behalf of the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, by the Agency’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chudi Offodile, reinforced government’s commitment to youth development. He said young people are central to the Federal Government’s blue economy agenda, with ongoing investments in maritime education, seafarer training, vessel financing, innovation and maritime security.

Mr. Offodile cited programmes such as the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme, the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund and the Blue Economy Accelerator Initiative as examples of how opportunities are being created for young Nigerians to build careers, own assets, develop technology and drive sectoral growth.

The 10th anniversary edition also featured policy dialogues, panel sessions and the Blueprint Debate Competition. The debate has become a major highlight of the conference, providing university students a national stage to discuss maritime policy, governance and public sector reform.

Organisers said the conference will continue to expand its reach to ensure more young people across Nigeria are exposed to opportunities in shipping, logistics, port operations, marine research and other blue economy value chains.

SIFAX Group reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that equip the next generation with the knowledge and networks needed to lead Nigeria’s maritime transformation.