Stakeholders Highlight Blue Economy Innovations At 7th TAAM 2025 Conference

By Roland Ekama 

The 7th edition of the Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Conference took place on Friday July 4th 2025 at the Tayo Aderinokun Hall, University of Lagos, drawing key stakeholders from Nigeria’s maritime sector.

The event, chaired by Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group, who was represented by Mrs. Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, the Group Coordinating Director, SIFAX Group, focused on the theme: “Blue Economy Innovations: The Sustainable Impact of Infrastructure Development and Modernization in Maritime.”

Highlighting Nigeria’s vast untapped blue economy potential, Dr. Afolabi emphasized the critical role of modern and sustainable infrastructure in unlocking new jobs, attracting investments, and safeguarding the environment. He described infrastructure development as the cornerstone for enhancing efficiency and competitiveness in Nigeria’s ports and maritime corridors.

 

Dr. Afolabi urged attendees to actively engage, learn, and apply the insights gained to address the challenges facing Nigeria’s maritime sector. He expressed optimism that the conference would inspire innovative ideas and collaborative solutions for a sustainable maritime future.

 

“The TAAM Conference continues to grow as one of Nigeria’s premier maritime discourse platforms, fostering industry-academic collaboration and driving the development of the nation’s blue economy.”

Dr. Afolabi warmly welcomed participants, including the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, who served as the Special Guest of Honour. The minister’s presence underscored the government’s commitment to advancing the maritime industry and supporting the next generation of maritime professionals.

The conference, a collaborative effort between the University of Lagos Maritime Forum and SIFAX Group, aims to bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice. It provides a platform for students, academics, and maritime experts to engage in knowledge exchange and networking opportunities.

 

The conference featured an impressive lineup of expert speakers, including:

Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere SAN, renowned maritime lawyer and author, who discussed the importance of robust legal frameworks in fostering innovation and protecting investments.

According to Anishere, “For Nigeria and other coastal countries, the Blue Economy represents not just untapped opportunity but a lifeline. With over 90% of global trade passing through our oceans, and vast underutilized marine resources at our doorstep, it is clear that our maritime future depends on how well we build and modernize the systems that support it.”

She noted that modern infrastructure is not simply about bigger ports or deeper dredging adding that It’s about smarter, greener, and more inclusive systems.

The maritime lawyer who was represented by Barrister Gloria Kanabe further clamoured for smart ports powered by Artificial Intelligence and data analytics in furtherance to streamlining cargo movement and reducing congestion and emissions.

Primarily , She stressed that green port Initiatives such as shore power and cleaner fuel technologies are directly supporting decarbonization efforts and coastal and inland infrastructure such as rail links, logistics parks, and barge terminals are improving trade efficiency while unlocking rural economies should be considered .

On digital infrastructure, the maritime expert pointed out that from electronic navigation systems to blockchain cargo tracking are needed to enhancing transparency, security, and competitiveness.

“Each of these innovations brings us closer to an ecosystem where economic growth does not come at the cost of environmental or social damage.”

Addressing the students , Anishere admonished saying “You are not just the workforce of the future; you are the architects of a maritime sector that must adapt to new global realities. Your role goes beyond academic success. You must become innovators, policy thinkers, marine scientists, and ethical leaders who drive the sustainable transformation of maritime Africa.

“Learn beyond the classroom. Collaborate across disciplines. Embrace technology, but anchor it in sustainability. Because the oceans we build on must be the oceans we protect.

“As we sail into the future, let us remember: our oceans are not limitless. Our choices—especially in infrastructure and development—will determine whether we harness their potential wisely or irreversibly damage them.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola who was represented by the Director , Maritime Services , Mrs. Mercy Ilori maintained that the establishment of the Ministry by His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, represents a bold institutional reform to position Nigeria vast marine and coastal assets as pillars of national development.

The Minister noted that to give structure to this vision, the Federal Executive Council has approved the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, which provides a coordinated framework for unlocking opportunities in ports, fisheries, ocean governance, marine biotechnology, renewable energy, coastal tourism, and climate resilience.

 

Oyetola stated that “The theme of this years conference, Blue Economy Innovations: The Sustainable Impact of Infrastructure Development and Modernisation in Maritime, is both timely and thought-provoking. It challenges us to examine not only what we build, but how we build, and how innovation and sustainability must shape the maritime economy of the future.

“In line with the theme, we recognise that innovation is not limited to technology; it also includes new thinking in infrastructure design, environmental safeguards, service delivery, and partnerships. The Ministry is currently advancing the Western Ports Rehabilitation Programme, including the reconstruction of Apapa and Tin Can Ports.

“Procurement processes are ongoing for the Eastern Ports. These physical improvements are being complemented by digital systems such as the Port Community System and the One-Stop-Shop platform, which are already improving efficiency and reducing delays.