Maritime Champions Honoured as MARAN Launches Landmark Book on “Fifty Drivers of the Nigerian Marine and Blue Economy”
Kathy Kyari
Nigeria’s maritime community converged at the Providence Hotel, GRA Ikeja, on Thursday for the formal unveiling of "Fifty Drivers of Nigeria's Marine and Blue Economy", a groundbreaking publication by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, (MARAN), recognising key individuals and institutions shaping the nation’s maritime sector.
The event, themed “Driving the Blue Agenda: Recognising Champions Steering Nigeria’s Marine Economy,” attracted industry leaders, policymakers, and veteran maritime practitioners.
Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, set the tone with an opening address that underscored the strategic value of the maritime industry to national prosperity.
"Nigeria's maritime industry is a vital component of our national economy, with immense potential for growth and development,” he said.
Ihenacho highlighted historical milestones that built the foundation for Nigeria’s maritime administration, including the establishment of the National Shipping Line in 1959, the National Maritime Authority in 1988, and NIMASA in 2007.
He also drew attention to global economic frameworks influencing Nigeria’s maritime trajectory, such as China’s Maritime Silk Road and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The Maritime Silk Road focuses on maritime infrastructure development, including ports, logistics hubs, and shipping lanes,” he noted, describing Nigeria as a major beneficiary in the China-Nigeria Economic Corridor.
On AfCFTA, he described the initiative as a “significant game-changer for Nigeria’s economy,” capable of unlocking a $3.4 trillion African market. But he stressed the need for improved infrastructure, reduced bureaucracy, and stronger human capacity to maximise these opportunities.
“As we discuss these issues, we'll identify solutions and strategies to unlock our maritime potential and drive economic growth,” he added, urging participants to actively engage in discussions that would “propel Nigeria's maritime industry forward.”
Delivering the welcome address, Chairman of MARAN’s Caretaker Committee, Mr Olatunde Ayodele, described the publication as a historic effort to institutionalise recognition within the maritime sector.
“It is my honour to warmly welcome every one of us to this special occasion a day dedicated to celebrating the chronicles of men and women who have made remarkable contributions to Nigeria’s maritime industry,” he said.
Ayodele explained that the project began two years ago through “extensive research, consultations, and commitment,” adding that the book serves as MARAN’s unbiased contribution to strengthening institutional memory in the maritime sector.
“At a time when Nigeria is repositioning its Marine and Blue Economy architecture, it has become even more important to recognise individuals and institutions whose efforts have driven growth, reforms, and innovation,” he stated.
The Chairman, Organising Committee, Mr. Kenneth Jukpor, further contextualised the publication as a vital compendium that documents excellence and stimulates industry development.
“The book is a curated compendium documenting the top 50 individuals, institutions and organisations whose leadership, innovations, and interventions have been instrumental in shaping Nigeria's maritime sector and emerging blue economy,” Jukpor said.
He described it as both a historical record and a practical reference tool aimed at regulators, operators, policymakers, investors, academics and students.
According to him, the book seeks to “foster accountability, encourage competition among stakeholders, and accelerate development in the Marine and Blue economy sectors.”
The publication was reviewed by Mrs. Carol Ufere, former General Manager, SERVICOM, Nigerian Ports Authority.
A high point of the event was the official unveiling performed by Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, followed by presentation of book copies to guests.
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