Experts Warn Nigeria Risks Losing Blue Economy Gains

Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime sector have warned that the country could continue losing huge economic opportunities unless urgent investments are made in manpower development, maritime security and port infrastructure.

The concerns were raised at the 2nd International Conference on Maritime Trade and Transport, 2026, organised by Global Maritime Academy at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Conference Centre, Effurun, Delta State.

President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Nigeria, Dr. Boboye Oyeyemi, said Nigeria was yet to become a true maritime power despite its strategic coastal advantage and numerous seaports.

“Nigeria is a maritime nation but not yet a maritime power,” he said, calling for stronger policies, infrastructure development and efficient logistics systems.

Retired Commodore Kingdom Itoko, who delivered the keynote address, identified human factors as the major challenge facing maritime security, stressing the need to train young professionals to sustain the sector.

Founder of the academy, Mr. Ejiro Onakughotor, said the institution was established to support the Federal Government’s Blue Economy policy through practical maritime training.

The conference also featured the induction of 40 students into the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Nigeria.