The New Experience @ Nine: Industry Leaders, Regulators and Investors Converge September 24 to Chart Nigeria’s Maritime Future

The New Experience @ Nine: Industry Leaders, Regulators and Investors Converge September 24 to Chart Nigeria’s Maritime Future

Lagos will host a high-level conversation on Nigeria’s maritime economy on Thursday, September 24, 2026, as The New Experience Newspaper marks its Ninth Anniversary with the 5th edition of its Annual Lecture and Awards. The event will take place at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, starting at 11:00am prompt.

This year’s gathering comes at a critical time for the sector. With global attention shifting to ocean-based economies, the program will interrogate how Nigeria can convert its vast coastal and maritime assets into jobs, revenue and investment.

The theme for 2026 is “Blue Economy in Action: Financing, Innovation and Policy for Nigeria’s Maritime Future.” The focus will be on practical steps to attract capital, deploy technology, and align regulatory frameworks that can position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global blue economy space.

Chairing the occasion is Chief Chamberlain Oyibo, former Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, now NNPC Limited. Beyond presiding, Chief Oyibo will also deliver a Career Talk on “Challenges and the Future of the NNPC.” His experience in leading one of Africa’s largest energy institutions is expected to bring depth to discussions on funding and governance in maritime.

Speaking on the anniversary, the Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of The New Experience Newspaper, Prince Benson Davies, said the platform was created to move the maritime conversation from potential to performance. He noted that for nine years, the newspaper has documented industry developments, amplified stakeholder voices, and pushed for reforms that support trade, port efficiency and national development. According to him, Nigeria must now prioritize financing structures, embrace digital innovation, and implement policies that make the blue economy attractive to both local and foreign investors.

The program will feature a Keynote Address, a Panel Discussion anchored on the theme, Award Presentations, and a Photo Exhibition showcasing nine years of reportage and impact in the maritime, trade and transport sectors.

The 2026 Awards will recognize excellence across the industry. Honourees will be selected in categories including Maritime CEO of the Year, Best Government Agency in Maritime Regulation, Outstanding Terminal Operator, Innovation in Maritime Technology Award, Maritime Security Partner Award, Blue Economy Champion Award, Media Partner of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award.

The event has drawn strong backing from key institutions. Lead Partners and Sponsors for this year include the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, SIFAX Group, SAHCO PLC, and the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency, NPERA. Media support is being provided by Radio 103.5FM, Metro 97.7FM, and Bond 92.9FM, alongside other partners from the maritime, aviation and crime reporting sectors.

Reflecting on the platform’s history, Davies recalled the 2020 edition which held during the COVID-19 pandemic. That second Annual Lecture hosted over 800 guests and set the tone for public discourse with the theme “Corona Virus in Nigeria and Conspiracy Theory: The Public Understanding.” From that period to now, he said the newspaper has remained consistent in its mission to deliver credible reporting.

Davies called on government officials, regulators, operators, investors and members of the public to attend. He said the choice of Rockview Hotel, Apapa, is symbolic as it sits at the heart of Nigeria’s port operations. “From Presken Hotel in Ikeja to Rockview Hotel in Apapa, our mission remains the same. It is for our guests and stakeholders to Experience the Truth,” he stated.

For participation, partnership and media accreditation, stakeholders can contact The New Experience secretariat ahead of the September date.