The Nigeria Maritime Expo (NIMAREX) was officially relaunched on Monday at the Oriental Hotel, Lagos, with industry leaders, government officials, and traditional rulers converging to renew commitments toward repositioning the nation’s maritime sector for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.
With the theme “Repositioning the Nigeria Maritime Industry – Need for Strategic Collaboration for Sustainable Growth and Global Competitiveness,” the event brought together the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, key government agency heads, captains of industry, and royal fathers, including the Chairman of the event, Imperial Majesty Oba Sen. Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, and HRM Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ayotunde Olabomi, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji land.
In his welcome address, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Otunba Sola Adewumi, said the relaunch marked not just the return of a major industry event but the revival of a long-standing vision conceived in 2011 to unify maritime stakeholders and promote sectoral development. He noted that although NIMAREX was halted in 2014, its core purpose remained alive due to the industry’s shared commitment to collaboration and growth.
Adewumi described the relaunch as timely, coming under a national agenda that now prioritizes the marine and blue economy. He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy—a recommendation that emerged from the inaugural NIMAREX. According to him, the president’s decision has restored direction and optimism within the sector.
He also expressed appreciation to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, for endorsing the relaunch and providing unwavering support to the planning committee. Adewumi said the minister’s leadership has reignited enthusiasm among maritime players and strengthened industry confidence.
“Today, we are not merely reviving an event; we are rekindling a vision,” he said, noting that NIMAREX has historically served as a rallying point for investment promotion, policy dialogue, and collaboration across the maritime value chain.
He emphasized that NIMAREX remains the voice of the Nigerian maritime industry and a platform for innovation, partnership, and strategic engagement. Adewumi called on government agencies, private sector operators, investors, and development partners to fully support the initiative, stressing that collective effort is essential to unlocking Nigeria’s maritime potential.
As the two-day expo continues, participants are expected to discuss strategic reforms, explore investment opportunities, and design collaborative approaches for strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global maritime landscape.
Adewumi welcomed all delegates to the 2025 edition of NIMAREX and expressed optimism that deliberations during the event would inspire meaningful actions with lasting impact on the sector.
