By Platform Reporters
The Women in Maritime Association, Nigeria (WIMA Nigeria) has charged stakeholders in the maritime industry to see seaport modernisation as more than just upgrading infrastructure, but as a holistic reform that embraces efficiency, technology, security and integrated transport connectivity.
The charge was contained in a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the President of WIMA Nigeria by the Association’s Assistant General Secretary, Yetunde Olori-Oladipo, at the Network of Nigerian Maritime Journalists (NNMJ) Conference 2026 in Lagos.
The conference, with the theme, “Seaport Modernisation, Trade Facilitation and Revenue,” was chaired by former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Barrister Temisan Omatseye.
Commending the NNMJ for convening the conference, Olori-Oladipo said the theme speaks directly to issues critical to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
“Our seaports play a major role in Nigeria’s economy, and how well they function has a direct impact on trade, businesses and national revenue,” she said.
She stressed that modernising the ports should go beyond upgrading infrastructure to making port operations more efficient, embracing technology, reducing unnecessary delays and improving security.
Olori-Oladipo also emphasised the need for an effective integrated and intermodal transport system connecting seaports with road, rail and inland waterways.
“Our ports cannot function efficiently in isolation; the connections between them and other modes of transportation are essential to reducing congestion, facilitating trade and improving the overall movement of goods across the country,” she said.
She further recognised the important role of the media in the development of the maritime sector, noting that beyond reporting events, maritime journalists help shape industry conversations, bring important issues to public attention and keep stakeholders informed.
“Their contribution to the growth of the sector is therefore very important,” she added.
Olori-Oladipo called for greater cooperation between government, regulators, private sector operators, professional associations and the media, stressing that progress will require collective effort.
“As we discuss the future of our ports, I hope we will also give attention to the people, businesses and institutions that make the maritime industry work,” she said.
She expressed optimism that the deliberations would lead to practical ideas, stronger partnerships and real improvements in the maritime sector, while congratulating the NNMJ for organising the conference and wishing participants fruitful discussions.
