Key stakeholders across Nigeria’s maritime, trade and industrial sectors are set to deliberate on the strategic importance of aligning Special Economic Zones (SEZs) with the blue economy agenda of the Federal Government to drive sustainable economic growth and achieve the $1 trillion target by 2030.

The stakeholders will deliberate on the theme: “Special Economic Zones as Catalysts to Sustainable Blue Economy,” at the Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) 2026 yearly conference scheduled to hold in Rivers State, June 10, especially as the country is seeking sustainable pathways for economic diversification.

This is just as the Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, alongside the Managing Director of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), Olufemi Ogunyemi, and the Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Usman Bamanga Jada, among others will be honoured at the conference for their contributions towards investment, infrastructure expansion and strategic initiatives leading to the growth of the maritime sector.

Speaking ahead of the conference, the President of MARCON, Ismail Aniemu, emphasised the strategic importance of aligning SEZs with Nigeria’s broader blue economy agenda, noting that the conference is coming at a critical time when the country is seeking sustainable pathways for economic diversification.

Aniemu stated that MARCON remains committed to fostering informed discourse and policy advocacy within the maritime sector, adding that the conference will not only spotlight industry achievements but also generate actionable insights to support government and private sector collaboration.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Paul Ogbuokiri, said the conference will provide a platform for robust engagement among policymakers, regulators and private sector players, with discussions expected to highlight the challenges, opportunities, and prospects within Nigeria’s SEZs and blue economy space.

Speaking on the choice of Rivers State for the conference, MARCON noted that it occupies a strategic position in Nigeria’s maritime and economic landscape, hosting major stakeholders within the SEZs ecosystem, including regulatory agencies and private sector operators.

The organisation said the state’s role in advancing industrial growth, trade facilitation and logistics development continues to position it as a critical hub in the country’s economic diversification drive.

Ogbuokiri highlighted that the awards segment of the conference is intended to recognise individuals whose contributions have had a measurable impact on national development.

He said the organisation will also recognise other individuals and institutions whose contributions have significantly advanced national economic development, particularly within the maritime and industrial sectors.