Stakeholders to Discuss SEZs and Blue Economy Synergy at 2026 MARCON Conference
Key stakeholders from Nigeria's maritime, trade, and industrial sectors are set to convene for a crucial conference aimed at exploring the strategic alignment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) with the federal government's blue economy agenda. This initiative is designed to propel sustainable economic growth and help Nigeria reach its ambitious target of a $1 trillion economy by 2030.
Conference Details and Theme
The Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) will host its 2026 yearly conference on June 10 in Rivers State. The event will focus on the theme: "Special Economic Zones as Catalysts to Sustainable Blue Economy." This gathering comes at a pivotal moment as Nigeria actively seeks sustainable pathways for economic diversification, moving beyond traditional sectors to harness the potential of its maritime resources.
Honorees and Recognitions
During the conference, several distinguished individuals will be honored for their significant contributions to investment, infrastructure expansion, and strategic initiatives that have fostered growth in the maritime sector. Among the award recipients are:
- Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State
- Managing Director Olufemi Ogunyemi of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA)
- Managing Director Usman Bamanga Jada of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA)
These awards aim to acknowledge measurable impacts on national development, with additional recognitions planned for other individuals and institutions that have advanced economic progress within the maritime and industrial domains.
Strategic Importance and Objectives
MARCON President Ismail Aniemu emphasized the critical timing of this conference, noting that aligning SEZs with Nigeria's broader blue economy agenda is essential for driving informed discourse and policy advocacy. He stated that the event will not only highlight industry achievements but also generate actionable insights to enhance collaboration between the government and private sector.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Paul Ogbuokiri, added that the conference will serve as a platform for robust engagement among policymakers, regulators, and private sector players. Discussions are expected to delve into the challenges, opportunities, and future prospects within Nigeria's SEZs and blue economy space, fostering a collaborative environment for strategic planning.
Choice of Rivers State as Venue
Rivers State was selected as the conference venue due to its strategic position in Nigeria's maritime and economic landscape. The state hosts major stakeholders within the SEZs ecosystem, including regulatory agencies and private sector operators. Its ongoing role in advancing industrial growth, trade facilitation, and logistics development solidifies its status as a critical hub in the country's economic diversification efforts.
Overall, the MARCON 2026 conference represents a significant step towards integrating SEZs with the blue economy, aiming to unlock new economic potentials and support Nigeria's journey towards sustainable development and prosperity.
