SIFAX Group has called on young Nigerians to equip themselves with the skills, innovation and leadership required to position Nigeria as Africa’s leading blue economy hub, stressing that the country’s maritime future depends on investing in human capital.
The charge was delivered by the Group Coordinating Director of SIFAX Group, Mrs. Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, on behalf of the Group Executive Chairman, Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, at the 2026 Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime, TAAM Conference held at the University of Lagos.
The conference, which attracted over 2,000 participants from government, academia, the maritime industry and the private sector, marked the 10th anniversary of one of Africa’s leading student-led maritime platforms.
Speaking on the theme, “Ten Tides of Impact: Raising a Generation to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Blue Giant,” Afolabi said Nigeria’s ambition to become Africa’s blue economy powerhouse would be achieved not only through its natural resources but by developing a new generation of competent maritime professionals.
“For years, we described Nigeria’s blue economy as a sleeping giant. This year’s theme says something bolder. It says the giant is meant to rise, and that the generation to raise it is sitting in this hall,” he said, urging students to embrace mentorship, ask critical questions and prepare themselves for leadership roles in the maritime sector.
He noted that the conference, organised by the Maritime Forum, University of Lagos, in partnership with SIFAX Group, has grown from a modest student initiative into West Africa’s largest student-led maritime conference, providing a platform that bridges the gap between academic learning and industry practice.
The event also featured a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, by the agency’s Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Mr. Chudi Offodile.
The keynote highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to placing young Nigerians at the centre of the country’s blue economy agenda through investments in maritime education, seafarer development, vessel financing, innovation and maritime security.
According to NIMASA, initiatives such as the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme, the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund and the Blue Economy Accelerator Initiative are creating opportunities for young Nigerians to build careers, own vessels, develop maritime technologies and contribute to the country’s emergence as Africa’s blue economy leader.
The anniversary edition of the conference also featured policy dialogues, panel discussions and the Blueprint Debate Competition, a flagship initiative that has become a nationally recognised platform for university students to debate issues relating to the maritime sector, governance and public policy.