The Group Executive Chairman of SIFAX Group, Dr Taiwo Afolabi, has stressed the need to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry practice to position Nigeria as Africa’s leading maritime nation.

He said the future of the maritime industry depends not only on government policies but also on developing well-trained, properly mentored young professionals capable of driving innovation and providing solutions to long-standing challenges in the maritime industry.

Afolabi made the call at the 2026 Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime (TAAM) Conference held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), organised through a partnership between SIFAX Group and the Maritime Forum, a student body of the university.

Afolabi, who was represented by the Group Coordinating Director of SIFAX Group, Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, noted that while Nigeria had long been described as a “sleeping giant” because of its vast coastline, ports, maritime trade opportunities and employment potential, the focus must now shift from recognising the opportunities to empowering young people to harness them.

He challenged young Nigerians to take the lead in transforming the country’s blue economy, noting that the yearly conference was established to create a knowledge-driven platform that bridges the gap between the lecture hall and the maritime industry by bringing students face-to-face with policymakers, regulators and business leaders.

He also stressed the urgent need to prepare a new generation of professionals to unlock the country’s blue economy potential.

“We wanted young people to look beyond their textbooks, ask difficult questions and engage directly with those shaping policies and running operations in the maritime sector,” he said.

Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, who was represented by the Executive Director, Finance and Administration, Chudi Offodile, said the Federal Government is placing young people at the centre of its blue economy agenda through investments in maritime education, seafarer development, vessel financing, innovation and maritime security.

Mobereola said programmes such as the Blue Economy Accelerator Initiative, the Nigerian Seafarers Development Programme and the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) are creating pathways for young Nigerians to build careers, own vessels, develop maritime technologies and contribute to national economic growth.

Director-General, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, underscored the importance of a home-grown strategy for the marine and blue economy industry, urging Nigeria to build policies around its comparative advantages rather than emulating models from other countries.

She commended ongoing reforms in the industry, adding that continuity of policies and projects beyond the current administration would guarantee long-term sustainability.

Speaking during a panel session, the Chief Operating Officer, Fleet Fence Limited, Esther Egwe, said Nigeria must equip young people with the right skills and opportunities, adding that technical knowledge alone is no longer sufficient in the evolving industry.

Egwe also urged industry leaders to look beyond investments in ships, ports and hydrography by placing greater emphasis on human capital development.

She advocated for the inclusion of young professionals in the conceptualisation and implementation of maritime policies, arguing that sustainable growth in the sector depends on empowering future leaders.