By Joshua Yousouph
Maritime stakeholders have called for deliberate investments in youth development, maritime education, mentorship and shipping capacity as part of efforts to secure the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The call was made in Lagos on Wednesday at the 10th Annual Maritime Students and Youth (AMSAY) Conference organised by Platforms Communications in Lagos with the theme: “A Decade of AMSAY Conference: Eyes on the Horizon.”
The conference brought together maritime regulators, industry leaders, professionals, students and young practitioners to reflect on the impact of the initiative over the last decade and chart a sustainable future for the sector.
Delivering the keynote address, Captain Waredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, stressed that successful maritime nations build their industries on strong foundations, clear visions and robust institutions.
Drawing from his experiences working in Singapore, Australia and other maritime jurisdictions, Enisuoh noted that maritime development goes beyond shipping and ports to include logistics, fisheries, offshore energy, shipbuilding, maritime education, regulation and national security.
According to him, countries that succeed in the maritime sector establish long-term strategies with measurable objectives, invest heavily in port infrastructure, strengthen regulatory institutions and align their educational systems with global standards. He challenged Nigeria to develop a clear maritime vision capable of attracting larger vessels, deepening port competitiveness and creating opportunities for indigenous operators.
Enisuoh also highlighted the importance of maritime education, stressing that the quality of training received by cadets determines their employability in the global shipping industry. He urged students to understand international certification requirements and prepare themselves for opportunities beyond Nigeria’s shores.
The maritime expert further advocated stronger regulatory oversight, improved port infrastructure, enhanced ship financing mechanisms and the development of indigenous shipping capacity, noting that maritime transport remains the backbone of global trade.
Chairman of the occasion and Chairman of Starz Investment Company Limited, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, expressed concern over the declining opportunities available for young Nigerian seafarers despite growing interest in maritime careers.
Reflecting on his 54-year maritime journey, Ogbeifun lamented the shortage of vessels under the Nigerian flag, describing it as one of the greatest challenges confronting the industry’s future workforce.
“You cannot be a mariner or a seafarer without ships,” he said, noting that many graduates from maritime institutions are unable to complete their professional development due to the lack of sea-time opportunities.
He called on government agencies and stakeholders to support the revival of indigenous shipping companies capable of operating globally, arguing that such a move would provide career platforms for young seafarers and ensure continuity in the sector.
The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, who was represented by the Director of Cabotage Services, Mrs. Gloria Anyasodo, delivered a special address on “Repositioning Cabotage Implementation in Nigeria: Prospects, Structural Constraints and Strategic Reform Imperatives.”
In the address, NIMASA reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the implementation of the Cabotage regime through strategic reforms aimed at increasing indigenous participation in coastal shipping, addressing structural challenges and creating greater opportunities for Nigerian maritime professionals and businesses.
Speaking earlier, Convener of the AMSAY Conference and Managing Director of Platforms Communications, Sylvanus Obasi, recounted the origin of the initiative, explaining that the idea was conceived in 2014 after observing the numerous career-related concerns raised by maritime students during a programme at the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology.
According to him, the conference was established in 2016 as a mentorship, advocacy and career-development platform designed to bridge the gap between maritime students and industry professionals.
Obasi said AMSAY has evolved into Nigeria’s foremost maritime mentorship platform, bringing together over 200 maritime students and youths annually to interact with industry leaders, gain practical knowledge and receive career guidance. He explained that the initiative later gave birth to the Maritime Career Mentoring Programme (M-CAMP), a quarterly mentorship platform tailored to different categories of maritime students, including maritime law, transport and logistics, shipping management, marine engineering and nautical science students.
The convener stressed that the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry depends largely on how effectively stakeholders prepare the next generation of leaders, regulators, operators and professionals.
“Seated here are future Directors-General of NIMASA, future Managing Directors of NPA, future Secretaries-General of Abuja MoU and future captains of our industry. If we want to secure the future of the maritime industry, we must first secure the future of these students and youths,” he said.
In goodwill messages, stakeholders commended Platforms Communications for sustaining the initiative for a decade.
Representing the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA), Gbolahan Adu encouraged students to actively participate in industry programmes and build valuable professional relationships. He noted that networking remains a critical tool for career advancement and assured the students of continued support from the association.
Similarly, the President of Women in Maritime Africa (WIMA) Nigeria, represented by Mrs. Obiageli Benjamin, described the conference as a vital bridge between classroom learning and industry realities. She emphasised the need for continuous investment in youth development, gender inclusivity and capacity building, while encouraging students to remain innovative, disciplined and committed to lifelong learning.
Also speaking, Hajia Bola Muse, representing the Boat Operators Association of Nigeria (BOAN), praised AMSAY for its decade-long contribution to mentorship, networking and professional development. She noted that the future of the Nigerian maritime industry depends on the quality and preparedness of its young professionals and urged participants to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the conference.
As part of activities marking the 10th anniversary celebration, the organisers conferred posthumous awards on notable maritime personalities in recognition of their lifetime contributions to mentorship, youth advocacy and the development of the Nigerian maritime sector.
The event also featured the presentation of prizes and awards to outstanding graduating maritime students from various institutions as well as winners of the annual Fola Ojutalayo Maritime Speech-Making Competition.
