Nigeria's Maritime Institute Launches Executive Programme for Blue Economy Growth
The Director General of the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION), Rear Admiral Thaddeus Udofia, has emphasized the urgent need for a sustainable and competitive blue economy in Nigeria. In a significant move to bolster this sector, he has unveiled a comprehensive three-day executive programme focused on Nigeria's Blue Economy Policy. This initiative aims to strengthen capacity and deepen policy understanding across the nation's maritime and ocean economy ecosystem.
Programme Details and Objectives
The capacity building programme, scheduled to take place from April 15 to 17, 2026, will be held at the IMION Auditorium, NNS QUORRA, Harbour Road, Apapa, Lagos. It is designed as a continuation of the institute's Executive Training Scheme on Blue Economy, targeting a wide array of stakeholders to foster collaboration and innovation.
Participants will engage with a robust curriculum that covers essential thematic areas, including the fundamentals of the blue economy, Nigeria's policy and regulatory landscape, priority sectors, and investment opportunities. The programme will also address critical policy challenges, sustainability imperatives, and governance frameworks, culminating in a capstone session dedicated to developing a Strategic Policy Implementation Brief.
Expert Facilitators and Stakeholder Engagement
The programme will feature a distinguished faculty of experts led by renowned academic Prof. Comfort Etok, former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Mfon Usoro, and the immediate-past president of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA) Funke Agbor. This high-calibre team reflects the institute's commitment to delivering practical, policy-relevant insights that can drive Nigeria's blue economy aspirations.
Rear Admiral Udofia highlighted that the initiative aims to benefit a diverse range of stakeholders, such as government officials, policymakers, civil society leaders in ocean advocacy, and professionals from ports, logistics, tourism, fisheries, and aquaculture. Additionally, academics, community leaders, entrepreneurs, and development partners are expected to gain valuable knowledge and networking opportunities from this programme.
Driving Nigeria's Marine Resource Potential
At a time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to unlock the value of its marine resources, this executive programme serves as a crucial platform for enhancing expertise and fostering collaboration. Udofia urged maritime professionals and stakeholders to seize this opportunity to interact with leading authorities and contribute to shaping a sustainable and competitive blue economy for the country.
By addressing key challenges and promoting strategic implementation, the programme aims to position Nigeria as a leader in blue economy development, ensuring long-term economic growth and environmental stewardship.
