The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) on Thursday unveiled a landmark publication celebrating the men, women, and institutions shaping Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy trajectory. The book, titled “Fifty Drivers of the Nigerian Maritime and Blue Economy,” was launched in Lagos in what stakeholders described as a historic contribution to industry documentation and national economic discourse.
The well-attended event, themed “Driving the Blue Agenda: Recognizing Champions Steering Nigeria’s Marine Economy,” brought together industry regulators, private sector players, policy advocates, and veteran maritime professionals who commended the initiative as timely and visionary.
Chairman of the launch and former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho, hailed the publication as a strategic reflection of Nigeria’s maritime evolution. Describing the sector as a “vital component” of national economic development, he noted that the maritime and blue economy holds immense potential for growth if properly harnessed.
Ihenacho traced the historical pillars of the sector—from the establishment of the National Shipping Line in 1959 to the creation of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in 2007—emphasising the importance of continuity, innovation, and reform. He said the book’s theme was deliberately chosen to spotlight the champions driving Nigeria’s maritime transformation.
Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah, represented by Assistant Director of Operations, Mrs. Juliana Saka, described the publication as a “significant milestone” for industry knowledge and public engagement. He commended MARAN for demonstrating professionalism and foresight by documenting the contributions of key actors in the marine and blue economy.
According to him, the opportunities across the blue economy require data, collaboration, innovation, and accountability, adding that the publication would help deepen understanding and strengthen conversations around policy, investment, infrastructure, and sustainable maritime growth.
Former NSC Executive Secretary, Mr. Hassan Bello, in his goodwill message, said the launch was timely, coming at a period when the maritime sector is witnessing renewed national attention. He noted that the industry, with over six decades of development, remains central to Nigeria’s economic sustainability and must be preserved across generations.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah who was represented by Assistant Director of Operations, Mrs. Juliana Saka described the publication as a significant milestone.
Akutah applauded MARAN for demonstrating vision and professionalism by documenting the contributions of key players in the sector.
“The marine and blue economy offers vast opportunities requiring collaboration, innovation, data, and accountability. MARAN’s work strengthens public understanding, celebrates behind-the-scenes contributors, and elevates discourse shaping policy, investment, infrastructure, and sustainable maritime development.” Akutah said.
Reviewing the book, former SERVICOM General Manager at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mrs. Carol Ufere, praised the publication for providing research-driven insights into the institutions, reforms, governance systems, and policy directions driving Nigeria’s blue economy. She highlighted the book’s coverage of key agencies such as NIMASA, NPA, NIWA, the Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigerian Railway Authority, noting that it offers a balanced examination of their achievements, challenges, and reform priorities.
Earlier in his opening remarks, MARAN Caretaker Committee Chairman, Mr. Tunde Ayodele, said the publication was conceived to honour the individuals and institutions whose ideas, leadership, and interventions have shaped Nigeria’s maritime landscape. He described the launch as a historic moment for the maritime media and the wider industry.
Ayodele noted that the book, produced through extensive research, showcases outstanding leaders and organisations driving reforms, innovation, and institutional growth. He added that the first edition also recognises emerging talents and the next generation of contributors expected to shape the future of the marine and blue economy.
He expressed gratitude to stakeholders and guests who attended the launch, saying the publication reinforces MARAN’s commitment to chronicling industry progress and strengthening maritime development discourse.
