MARAN Annual Lecture 2026: Ondo Governor Urges Adequate Reportage of Littoral States

At the 4th Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL 2026) organized by the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN), Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, called on maritime journalists to extend coverage beyond Lagos to other littoral states. Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Marine and Blue Economy, Engr. Olu Aladenusi, the governor stressed that states like Ondo and Bayelsa are equally active in maritime activities and deserve adequate reportage.

He commended MARAN for sustaining the annual lecture, themed “Nigerian Ports Modernisation, Charges and the Competitiveness Question.” Nigeria’s nine littoral states—Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Lagos, Ogun, Ondo, and Rivers—span an 853 km coastline, forming the backbone of the nation’s maritime economy.

In his goodwill message, the Director-General of the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION), Rear Admiral TC Udofia (rtd) extended warm goodwill to MARAN, praising the association for sustaining a vital platform for informed discourse on Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Delivering the message on behalf of IMION, the Director-General described the lecture’s theme, “Nigerian Port Modernisation, Charges and the Competitiveness Question,” as timely and central to the nation’s aspiration of making its ports efficient, attractive, and globally competitive.

He stressed that port modernisation goes beyond physical infrastructure, noting that it requires skilled manpower, innovative technology, efficient processes, sound regulatory frameworks, and policies that promote ease of doing business. He further highlighted the importance of transparent and competitive port charges aligned with the quality of services provided.

Commending MARAN for bringing critical issues to the forefront of national conversation, the DG emphasised the role of credible information, research, and constructive engagement among government, regulators, port operators, and stakeholders. He acknowledged the maritime media’s vital role in promoting accountability and informed public discourse to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a preferred maritime hub.

On behalf of IMION, the Director-General wished MARAN a successful and impactful lecture, expressing confidence that the deliberations would generate practical recommendations to support port efficiency, reduce avoidable costs, and enhance Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness. He reaffirmed IMION’s commitment to partnering with stakeholders in capacity development, policy advocacy, and knowledge-driven initiatives for the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

Delivering his goodwill message, the Acting Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr. Kevin Okonna, called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to drive the competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports.

Dr. Okonna commended MARAN for convening the forum to deliberate on the theme: “Nigerian Ports Modernisation, Charges and the Competitiveness Question.” He stressed that efficiency, innovation, safety, technology, regulation, and human capital remain central to the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

“A modern port requires modern infrastructure, and competent professionals who can operate, manage and sustain the infrastructure to international standards,” he said.

Highlighting the Academy’s role, Dr. Okonna noted that the institution has continued to invest in advanced simulators, marine engineering workshops, and practical training facilities to align with global standards. He emphasised that the Academy’s programmes are tailored to meet industry needs, international conventions, and emerging technologies.

The Rector also lauded the Federal Government’s renewed focus on the Marine and Blue Economy, describing it as a strategic move to position Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in Africa. He urged stakeholders to ensure that ports remain competitive and that maritime institutions are strengthened to harness opportunities in the sector.

He concluded by commending MARAN and participants at the lecture for their commitment to advancing conversations on Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness, expressing confidence that the discussions would generate practical recommendations for port modernisation and global relevance.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the President of MARAN, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, highlighted that Nigeria is witnessing renewed efforts to modernize port infrastructure, strengthen regulation, and position the maritime sector as a key driver of economic growth. He however stressed that port modernisation must be measured not only by equipment and technology, but by efficiency, transparency and affordability. This he explained, should mean reduced delays, predictable procedures, reasonable charges, and improved service delivery.

Onigbinde expressed appreciation to the guest speaker, Mrs Hadiza Bala Usman, the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, and Head, Central Results Delivery Coordination Unit (CRDCU), the Special Guest of Honour and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, the Chairman of the occasion, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh and the newly invested Patron, High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi.

The high point of the event was the investiture of the MARAN’s new Patron, the President of National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), High Chief Tochukwu Ezisi.

Ezisi in his acceptance speech, expressed appreciation to MARAN for making him their patron and promised to live up to the association’s expectations.