By David Oladimeji
The stage is set for a landmark gathering of maritime stakeholders as Platforms Communications prepares to host its 10th Annual Maritime Students And Youth Conference (AMSAY), bringing together an impressive array of industry leaders, regulators, academics and operators to chart a new course for Nigeria’s maritime future.
The conference, which has evolved into one of the most influential intellectual platforms for maritime discourse among young professionals and students, will be chaired by Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, Chairman of Starzs Investments Company Limited, whose longstanding contributions to indigenous shipping development have earned him widespread recognition within the industry.
Adding further prestige to the event, Alhaji Aminu Umah, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Sea Transport Services Nigeria Limited, will serve as Father of the Day, while Mrs. Ify Anazonwu-Akarele, Vice President of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, assumes the role of Mother of the Day, underscoring the broad industry support for youth development in the maritime sector.
The opening session promises robust policy engagement as leading government agencies and maritime institutions present strategic perspectives on some of the industry’s most pressing issues, ranging from CABOTAGE implementation and port efficiency to inland waterway transportation and blue economy development.
Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, is expected to deliver a special address on “Repositioning Cabotage Implementation in Nigeria: Prospects, Structural Constraints and Strategic Reform Imperatives.” His presentation is anticipated to examine the current state of Nigeria’s cabotage regime and identify pathways for strengthening indigenous participation in coastal shipping.
Also taking centre stage is the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah Ukeyima, who will discuss ongoing interventions aimed at reducing the cost of doing business in Nigerian ports. His address is expected to spotlight regulatory reforms designed to improve port competitiveness and facilitate trade.
The Acting Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Alhaji Umar Girei, will present the agency’s strategic roadmap for repositioning inland water transportation as a viable economic frontier capable of unlocking new opportunities for commerce, logistics and regional integration.
Attention will also turn to the nation’s growing blue economy agenda as the Executive Director of the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), Professor Abiodun Sule, explores the institute’s contributions toward advancing marine science, sustainable resource utilisation and ocean-based economic growth.
Another major highlight of the conference will be a presentation by the Director-General of the Nigeria Single Window (NSW), Mr. Tola Fakolade, who will speak on “Beyond Tech Tools: NSW as a Policy Tool for Nigeria’s Economic Transformation.” The session is expected to examine how digital trade facilitation can support national competitiveness and economic diversification.
Beyond policy discussions, the conference’s technical session will focus squarely on the future of the maritime industry and the critical role young Nigerians must play in shaping its evolution.
The keynote Lecture for the technical session will be delivered by Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited. His presentation, titled “The Youth and the Future of Nigerian Maritime Sector: Understanding How Nations Develop Their Maritime Industry,” is expected to provide comparative insights into successful maritime nations and the lessons Nigeria can adopt.
The session will be moderated by renowned maritime expert and academic, Capt. Dr. Fola Ojutalayo, Marine Surveyor and Senior Lecturer at the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology, whose extensive industry experience is expected to enrich the discourse.
A carefully selected panel of industry experts representing key segments of the maritime ecosystem will provide diverse perspectives on the challenges and opportunities confronting the sector.
Representatives of NIMASA will present the regulatory perspective, highlighting the role of policy, compliance and institutional frameworks in driving sustainable industry growth.
From the shipowners’ constituency, representatives of the Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN) and the Nigerian Indigenous Shipowners Association (NISA) will discuss investment realities, fleet development challenges and opportunities for indigenous operators.
The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) will provide insights into local content implementation and its potential to stimulate capacity development, job creation and technology transfer within the maritime value chain.
Technical capacity building will also feature prominently, with representatives of Flotilla Academy of Marine Technology expected to examine the importance of professional training, skills acquisition and workforce readiness in an increasingly competitive global maritime environment.
Legal dimensions of maritime development will be addressed by Mr. Mike Igbokwe, SAN, President of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA), who is expected to provide perspectives on regulatory certainty, maritime jurisprudence and the legal reforms necessary to support sectoral growth.
Industry operations and practical realities will be brought into focus through contributions from representatives of NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited, offering insights into operational excellence, fleet management and global best practices.
As AMSAY celebrates a decade of sustained commitment to maritime education, intellectual engagement and youth empowerment, the conference stands as a testament to the brand’s growing influence in shaping maritime discourse in Nigeria. More than a commemorative event, the gathering is expected to generate fresh ideas, inspire future industry leaders and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders committed to building a globally competitive maritime sector.
With policymakers, regulators, industry captains, academics and young professionals converging under one platform, the 10th AMSAY Conference is poised to reinforce its reputation as a leading forum for dialogue, innovation and strategic thinking within Nigeria’s maritime industry.
