The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has unveiled a landmark publication, “Fifty Drivers of the Nigerian Maritime and Blue Economy,” celebrating individuals and institutions that have played pivotal roles in shaping Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The book launch, held on Thursday in Lagos, carried the theme “Driving the Blue Agenda: Recognising Champions Steering Nigeria’s Marine Economy,” and brought together past and present leaders, regulators, industry stakeholders, and media professionals.
Chairman of the event and former Minister of Interior, Capt. Emmanuel Ihenacho, described Nigeria’s maritime industry as a “vital component” of the nation’s economy with enormous potential if properly harnessed. He said the carefully chosen theme reflects the need to spotlight innovators, reformers, and institutions advancing the country’s marine and blue economy.
He commended the contributions of pioneers and current stakeholders, recalling milestones such as the establishment of the National Shipping Line in 1959, the National Maritime Authority in 1988, and the creation of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in 2007.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr Pius Ukeyima, described the publication as a significant milestone and praised MARAN’s professionalism in documenting the nation’s maritime journey. Represented by Mrs Juliana Saka, an Assistant Director at the NSC, he said the blue economy offers vast opportunities that require collaboration, innovation, data, and accountability.
According to him, MARAN’s initiative strengthens public understanding of the sector, honours behind-the-scenes contributors, and elevates critical conversations influencing policy, investment, infrastructure, and sustainable maritime development.
Former NSC Executive Secretary, Mr Hassan Bello, noted that the maritime sector’s over six decades of progress made the book a timely and important celebration. He stressed the need for sustained commitment and intergenerational cooperation to preserve past achievements while strengthening the future of the sector.
Book reviewer and former General Manager, SERVICOM at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mrs Carol Ufere, said the publication offers deep, research-based insights into ministries, agencies, reforms, industry leaders, and policy directions shaping the blue economy.
She added that the book emphasises governance, innovation, digitalisation, security architecture, and institutional strengthening. It also examines key institutions such as NIMASA, NPA, the National Inland Waterways Authority, Nigerian Customs Service, and the Nigerian Railway Authority, highlighting their achievements, challenges, and needed reforms to boost competitiveness, sustainability, and multimodal integration.
Earlier, MARAN Chairman, Mr Tunde Ayodele, explained that the book was conceived to document and celebrate the vision, service, and impact of individuals and institutions that have shaped Nigeria’s maritime landscape.
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Developed through extensive research, he said the first edition also recognises emerging talents and future contributors to the industry, while serving as a credible reference material for policymakers, investors, researchers, and maritime practitioners.
He thanked stakeholders for their presence and support, describing the launch as a historic milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing maritime and blue economy journey.
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