MARAN Set to Host Landmark Maritime Lecture This September

By Saheed Olatunji, Reporter

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has scheduled its annual lecture for September 10, 2026.

Government, industry leaders and experts will use the event to improve port competitiveness.

Spynews reports that the annual lecture will take place at the Naval Dockyard in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Focused on the theme “Nigeria Ports Modernisation, Charges and the Competitiveness Question,” the event will provide a high-level platform to discuss reforms aimed at making Nigerian ports more efficient, cost-effective, and globally competitive.

Deliberations, it was gathered, will focus on key issues in the nation’s maritime industry, such as modernizing port infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, reviewing port charges, facilitating trade, and enacting policy reforms. These steps aim to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, will attend as the Special Guest of Honour, highlighting the Federal Government’s commitment to deepening reforms in the maritime and blue economy sectors.

The keynote address will be delivered by the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit (CDCU), Hadiza Bala Usman.

The former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), is expected to outline the Federal Government’s policy direction and the role of coordinated reforms in improving port efficiency, attracting investment and driving economic growth.

MARAN President, Oluyinka Onigbinde, disclosed that the lecture will be chaired by TANTITA Security Services Limited.

He added that the event will bring together government officials, maritime agencies, terminal operators, shipping companies, port users, investors, academics, development partners and media practitioners for robust discussions on the future of Nigeria’s port industry.

Onigbinde noted that MARAN has earned a reputation as one of the maritime sector’s foremost policy dialogue platforms, providing stakeholders with the opportunity to exchange ideas, build partnerships and recommend practical solutions to challenges confronting the industry.

He noted that this year’s lecture is expected to generate actionable recommendations on reducing the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports, improving operational efficiency, enhancing investor confidence and accelerating Nigeria’s quest to become a preferred maritime and logistics hub in the sub-region.

Describing its 2026 as a vital platform for policies and partnerships, MARAN has invited public and private leaders to help drive innovation and growth in Nigeria’s maritime industry.