Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria – March 26, 2026: The forthcoming Maritime Media Limited, MML, Workshop and Awards promises to be a landmark gathering of Nigeria’s maritime and business elite, with former President Goodluck Jonathan, Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote, and Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State among the dignitaries confirmed to attend.
Speaking on preparations, Asu Beks, Chief Executive Officer of MML, who are publishers of Shipping World Magazine, said the event will take place on March 30, 2026 at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, and will bring together top stakeholders to deliberate on the future of Nigeria’s port infrastructure.
The morning workshop will focus on the theme: “Deepsea Ports: Charting a Pathway for the Coastal States.” Beks explained that the theme is symbolic, coming just a week after President Tinubu secured financing in London for the upgrade of Tin-Can Island and Apapa Ports.
He noted that while Lagos has received significant attention, questions remain about the fate of ports in the eastern corridor, including Port Harcourt, Onne, Calabar, Sapele, and Warri. “We cannot put all the blame on the federal government. What are the governors of the coastal states doing? They are the host governors for this event, and the idea is to make them learn from the mistakes of Lekki,” Beks said.
Among the confirmed attendees are two past Managing Directors of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Umar Suleiman and Ibrahim Gwandu, as well as maritime experts Ufon Usoro, Temitsa Omashiye and others. The Managing Director of the Regional Maritime Development Bank, Adeniran Aderogba and the current MD of NPA, Abubakar Dantsoho will also present papers.
Beks emphasized that the choice of former President Jonathan as Father of the Day was deliberate, describing him as the “father of deepsea ports in Nigeria.” He recalled that Jonathan signed the contract for the Lekki Deepsea Port in 2011, laying the foundation for its eventual realization.
He added that both Jonathan and President Tinubu share a vision of actualizing the Lekki project, making their combined efforts a milestone in Nigeria’s maritime development.
The awards will celebrate excellence in the maritime and logistics sectors, while the workshop is expected to generate actionable insights for strengthening Nigeria’s port infrastructure and positioning coastal states for greater participation in the blue economy.
Beks noted that the event will serve as a rallying point for stakeholders to reflect on past achievements, confront current challenges, and chart a sustainable future for Nigeria’s maritime industry.
He concluded that the investiture ceremony for the winners of MML awards will hold in the evening after the workshop earlier in the day.
No comments:
Post a Comment