Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) on Thursday unveiled a landmark publication recognising the individuals, institutions, and innovators shaping the country’s maritime and blue economy landscape.
The new book, *“Fifty Drivers of the Nigerian Maritime and Blue Economy,”* was launched at an event in Lagos themed *“Driving the Blue Agenda: Recognizing Champions Steering Nigeria’s Marine Economy.”* The ceremony drew stakeholders from across the maritime value chain in celebration of reformers and industry leaders driving growth, innovation, and sustainability.
Chairman of the event and former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho, described the maritime industry as a vital pillar of the national economy. He said the sector holds vast potential for economic diversification and development if properly harnessed.
Tracing the evolution of the maritime sector from the establishment of the Nigerian National Shipping Line in 1959 to the creation of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in 2007, Ihenacho said the book rightly spotlights both past and present contributors to the industry’s advancement.
Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah, represented by the Assistant Director of Operations, Mrs. Juliana Saka, commended MARAN for what he described as a visionary contribution to national knowledge and sectoral growth.
He noted that the marine and blue economy offers vast opportunities that require collaboration, innovation, credible data, and accountability.
“MARAN’s work strengthens public understanding, celebrates behind-the-scenes contributors, and elevates discourse shaping policy, investment, infrastructure, and sustainable maritime development,” he said.
In his goodwill message, former NSC Executive Secretary, Mr. Hassan Bello, said the book launch was timely, coming at a period when the maritime sector has recorded more than six decades of steady progress. He emphasised the need for all generations to work together to strengthen and preserve the sector’s gains.
Reviewing the publication, former SERVICOM General Manager at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mrs. Carol Ufere, described the book as a research-driven work offering in-depth insights into ministries, agencies, reforms, and policy directions defining Nigeria’s blue economy. She noted that the publication delves into themes such as governance, digitalisation, innovation, maritime security, and institutional strengthening.
According to her, the chapters feature assessments of NIMASA, NPA, the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), the Nigerian Railway Authority, the Nigeria Customs Service, and other critical institutions, while highlighting achievements, existing gaps, and the reforms required to boost competitiveness and sustainability.
Earlier in his welcome address, MARAN’s Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mr. Tunde Ayodele, said the book was conceived to honour the individuals and institutions whose commitment and vision have shaped Nigeria’s maritime trajectory. He noted that the publication not only documents their contributions but also reinforces national efforts to advance the marine and blue economy.
Ayodele described the unveiling as a historic moment for both the maritime media community and the wider maritime sector.
“Developed through extensive research, the book highlights outstanding leaders, private organisations, and agencies whose collective efforts drive reforms, innovation, and sectoral growth.
“This first edition also recognises emerging talents and future contributors to the industry,” he said.