NIMASA Shows Leadership at New Experience Newspaper Anniversary as Experts Say Blue Economy Is Now, Not Tomorrow

NIMASA Shows Leadership at New Experience Newspaper Anniversary as Experts Say Blue Economy Is Now, Not Tomorrow
By Our correspondent

The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has once again demonstrated its leadership in driving Nigeria’s maritime future as stakeholders demanded immediate action to unlock Nigeria’s vast blue economy.

NIMASA took centre stage at the 5th Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony of The New Experience Newspaper held to mark its 9th Anniversary on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.

The lecture, with the theme “Blue Economy in Action: Financing, Innovation, and Policy for Nigeria’s Maritime Future”, attracted regulators, operators, financiers, security agencies and royal fathers, but NIMASA’s presence and intellectual contribution dominated discussions.

NIMASA Sets Agenda for $1 Trillion Blue Economy

The tone for the day was set by the Keynote Speaker, Amb. Dr. Dorcas Masu Daniel Bature, Chairperson of the Anniversary Committee, Chairperson, CILT Lagos Chapter and staff of NIMASA.

Dr. Bature, who represented the intellectual thrust of NIMASA at the event, declared that Nigeria’s blue economy can no longer wait.

“The blue economy is Nigeria’s frontier now, not tomorrow,” she said.

She noted that Nigeria, blessed with 853 kilometres of coastline, a strategic location in the Gulf of Guinea and a large youth population, has failed to translate natural advantage into prosperity.

She lamented that Nigeria still spends billions of dollars importing fish despite vast aquatic resources, making fish unaffordable for ordinary households. She called on NIMASA and other agencies to champion massive investment in fisheries and aquaculture as a path to job creation and food security.

She outlined three pillars that must work together, in line with NIMASA’s strategic direction:

On Financing: Nigeria’s problem is not lack of money but management and allocation. She called for transparent, merit-based access to finance, establishment of a dedicated low-interest Blue Economy Development Fund, a sovereign blue bond to finance port modernisation, cold-chain and fish terminals, and urgent disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) after over 20 years. She urged that the proposed $1 billion innovation fund must reach genuine operators and youth aged 18-28 with technology-driven ideas.

On Policy: She called for a coordinated regulatory framework championed by NIMASA that clearly defines roles of NIMASA, NPA and NIWA to reduce duplication, improve efficiency and attract investors. She also advocated sustained investment in maritime security through the Deep Blue Project and collaboration with regional navies.

On Innovation: She demanded digitisation of port operations, National Single Window, rail expansion and intermodal transport to cut cargo dwell time and cost, and warned that Nigeria risks being left behind on green shipping and decarbonisation. She also called for collective action against coastal erosion, oil spills and plastic pollution.

Chairman and Publisher Laud NIMASA’s Role

The Chairman of the Occasion, former Group Managing Director of NNPC, Chief Chamberlain Oyibo, represented by Chief Ibitrokoemi Seddon (Alabo), said Nigeria’s coastline will remain mere potential without action and commended NIMASA for providing leadership through the three pillars of financing, innovation and consistent policy.

In his welcome address, Publisher/CEO, Prince Benson Davies, described the day as historic, marking nine years since the newspaper’s voyage began on May 17, 2017.

“It marks nine years of resilience, of truth-telling and service to the maritime industry,” he said.

He specially thanked NIMASA as a lead partner, alongside NPA, SIFAX Group and Widescope International Logistics Limited. He also appreciated the image managers – Mr. Edward Osagie of NIMASA, Mr. I.K. Oyemakara of NPA and Mr. Muyiwa Akande of SIFAX Group.

He also appreciated the NIMASA staff delegation who represented the Agency at the event, including Bro. Roberts Ayibo Josephus and Mr. Inuwa Ben Kurahson, Oniyide Segunmade both award recipients.

NIMASA-Led Resolutions

Summarising the panel discussion which he moderated, Prince Benson Davies said the resolutions align with NIMASA’s long-standing advocacy:

“On Financing – we need deliberate, low-interest maritime funds and we must finally disburse the CVFF. On Innovation – we must embrace digitalization, single window and green shipping or we will be left behind. On Policy – we need one strong, stable, investor-friendly National Blue Economy Policy led by NIMASA. Nigeria’s blue economy cannot remain a potential on paper. It must be in action.”

The event, coloured by a cultural dance by the Tiv Lagos Dancing Group led by Sarah Doose with Mrs. Unalagh Rita and Miss Nguemo Hungwa, was attended by AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat represented, ACP Dr. Lion Oyin Frances Adegbite and the PRO of the maritime Police Command ASP Adebayo Rasheed, Mrs. Maria Ihuoma, Mr. Abiola Peters, Princess Adenike Adegoke of FRCN, and Royal Fathers.

The ceremony ended with awards to distinguished organisations and individuals who have contributed to Nigeria’s maritime industry, with NIMASA receiving commendation as the lead agency driving the blue economy future.

Signed:
Prince Benson Davies
Publisher/CEO, The New Experience Newspaper