By Oluyinka Onigbinde
Twenty-five individuals and institutions were on Tuesday honoured at the 27th edition of the Maritime Industry Merit Award (MIMA), organised by Maritime Media Limited, publishers of Shipping World magazine.
The event, held at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos, brought together key stakeholders from across the maritime industry, including government officials, regulatory heads, terminal operators, customs officers, and freight forwarders.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, received the award for Most Outstanding Governor on Maritime Infrastructure Development, while the Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri, was honoured as the Best Maritime-Friendly Governor.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, received the Pace Setter Award, in recognition of his leadership since the creation of the ministry. Also honoured was the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Akutah, who was named Maritime Man of the Year, while the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Abubakar Dantsoho, emerged as Most Promising Maritime CEO 2024.
The award ceremony also recognised players across the logistics and trade facilitation chain. Officials of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), terminal operators, and customs brokers were among the recipients of various categories of awards for their roles in the industry.
Other honourees included the President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju; the current MWUN President-General, Comrade Francis Bunu; and former Tin Can Port Manager, Sylvester Egede.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of the N1 million Pius Akutah Prize for Maritime Reporter of the Year, awarded to Nigerian Tribune journalist, Mr. Tola Adenubi. The award was presented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, who was represented by the Council’s Director of Special Duties, Mr. Moses Abere.
Speaking during the presentation, Akutah noted that the award was instituted to encourage excellence in maritime journalism and recognise impactful reporting in the sector.
“Tonight is about celebrating how far we’ve come as individuals, organisations, unions, and associations. As we celebrate and reward excellence, we are also looking ahead to stimulate more innovative, accountable, and patriotic leadership traits for a sustainable maritime sector,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, a former President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Prince Olayiwola Shittu, commended the organisers for sustaining the awards over the years. He described the event as one of the most credible recognition platforms in the industry and lauded the increasing number of young professionals emerging as industry voices.
“This event continues to set the standard for recognising those who truly contribute to the growth of the sector. I’m particularly pleased to see younger people being celebrated, especially in journalism and leadership,” Shittu stated.
He added that events like MIMA help to bridge generational gaps and reinforce professionalism in maritime practice.
The award night also served as a unique networking opportunity, bringing together shipping companies, terminal operators, port users, regulators, seafarers, maritime lawyers, and tourism operators.
The ceremony was spiced with a musical performance by gospel artiste Asu Ekiye, who entertained guests with Niger Delta-inspired tunes.
MIMA is an annual event organised by Maritime Media Limited, a firm owned by veteran maritime journalist; Elder Asu Beks. The award has become a notable platform for recognising distinguished contributions to the maritime industry in Nigeria.
