INTERNATIONAL AND REGIONAL PARTICIPATION
The Maritime Business Roundtable Breakfast Meeting [MBRBM] 2025 which took place at the Lagos Oriental Hotel Victoria Island, on the 27th of March, was a huge success. There was a full house of participants numbering 91 persons present at the event representing Africa and Asia, namely, Nigeria, Korea and China .
The participants cut across the different sphere of the Maritime Industry ranging from the Nigerian Navy , to maritime logistics, maritime lawyers , trainers ,freight forwarders and customs brokers and the National Association of Nigerian Maritime Students , to mention a few.
ANALYSIS OF DEMOGRAPHICS
WELCOME ADDRESS
The
Maritime Business Roundtable Breakfast Meeting, started with an opening address
by the convener, Madam Oritsematosan EDODO EMORE the chairperson of ZOE
Maritime Resources Limited.
GOODWILL MESSAGES
The Maritime Business
Roundtable Breakfast Meeting, continue with a goodwill message delivered by Engr. Elsie Egwuatu; who gave a
unique information on the maritime logistics and strategic development going on
in the industry.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
The
keynote address by the His Excellency, Hon. Adegboyega OYETOLA Honorable Federal Minister
of Marine and Blue Economy, fully represented by Chikere Christain, declaring the commitment
of the ministry to deliver its best especially on Maritime Logistics and
Sustainability of the Ocean Economy.
PANEL SESSION
The discussion in this
event was centred on the theme “Maritime Logistics and Sustainability of the
Ocean Economy”
There were a total of 3 distinguished
personalities well versed and knowledgeable in the Maritime field on the panel
including the convener who acted in the capacity of moderator, asking some key
question as regards the maritime logistics, sustainable development, women
empowerment programs and other means of mitigating risk in the maritime
logistics sector. These esteemed panellists were:
· Felix
Omatsola OGBE – Executive Secretary, Nigeria Content Development and Monitoring
Board, fully represented by Silas O. Ajimijaye the Director of Research &
Development, NCDMB.
· Mr. Oluwadailola
EMMANUEL, General Manager, Lagos Waterways Authority [LASWA]. Represented by
Olalekan Azeez Oluwaseun
· Madam Ruth Ikem CHUKWUKEZIRIM – CEO Gobel Energy and Logistics
Each of the panelist gave a good account of the work of their organizations and their contributions to Nigeria’s ocean economy .
The representative of the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB recalled the creation of the NCDMB pursuant to the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act 2010 and the statutory requirement for the NCDMB to cooperate with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency[NIMASA] to actualize the objectives of development of Nigerian Content in the Oil and Gas industry and by extension the maritime industry .Mr Ajimijaye emphasized the establishment of sectoral groups within the Nigerian Content Consultative Forum [NCCF] created by the NCDMB especially the shipping and logistics group relevant to MBRBM discourse and stressed the need for stakeholders to join the various sectoral groups in order to access the benefits of NCDMB.
He mentioned the various interventions that NCDMB has made regarding the development of seafarers in Nigeria , the creation of berth spaces for the training of seafarers and the insistence that vessels working in the Nigerian oil and gas industry take on seafarers in pursuit of mandatory seatime .He called attention to the $350million maritime intervention fund domiciled at the Bank of Industry , that shipping companies can draw upon for the development of Nigerian content in the shipping industry.
He noted that the Maritime intervention fund has been a huge success and that not less than 10 shipping companies including Starzs Group have benefited and that the repayment of the single digit interest loan has been satisfactory . He emphasized the partnerships and collaboration between the NCDMB and maritime logistics bases such as LADOL and Nigerdock and looked forward to developing a closer relationship with the Naval Dockyard , at Victoria Island.
In response to the question whether there were any deliberate arrangements at NCDMB to increase the participation of women in the maritime industry , he mentioned the existence of a $20,000,000[Twenty million US dollars] fund available for the development of women owned businesses and encouraged women to tap into this facility.
Engr Oluwaseun who represented the General Manager of LASWA explored the intersection of maritime logistics and the sustainability of Nigeria’s ocean economy, and its importance to Lagos State He said that the Lagos State journey towards sustainable waterways management involves the adoption of cutting-edge technologies. He added that recognizing that the sustainability of the Lagos waterways is a collective responsibility, LASWA engages in community initiatives to foster a sense of shared stewardship. LASWA believes that involving local communities in the preservation and enhancement of the Lagos State water resources is essential for long-term sustainability. He stressed that achieving a delicate balance between water transport development and environmental conservation is at the core of LASWA's mission.
In the face of climate change impacts and increasing waterways demands on the Lagos water infrastructure, adaptability and evolution are imperative. He emphasized that LASWA, through informed decision-making, forward-thinking policies, and dedication to environmental stewardship, is at the forefront of fostering resilient, thriving water ecosystems.
He dwelt on the role of maritime logistics in economic growth and acknowledged that maritime logistics forms the backbone of global trade, facilitating the movement of over 80% of international merchandise and that the sector fuels industrial productivity, supports supply chains, and drives economic expansion. He reiterated the fact that in Lagos, the waterways are not just an alternative mode of transportation, that it is an essential economic lifeline, reducing traffic congestion, enhancing trade routes, and enabling faster, more efficient movement of people and goods.
He said that LASWA has been at the forefront of transforming Lagos’ inland waterways, developing vital infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and operational standards that foster safe, reliable, and efficient maritime logistics. He added that the LASWA’s strategic investments in modern terminals, jetties, navigational aids, and digital vessel monitoring systems such as the Waterways Monitoring & Data Management Centre are designed to optimize route efficiency, ensure passenger safety, and support commercial activities.
He noted that Lagos’ growing population and rapid urbanization necessitates the expansion of multimodal transport networks. Therefore by integrating the waterways with road and rail systems, Lagos State unlocks greater connectivity, helping businesses reduce logistics costs while enhancing commuter experiences.
He emphasized the importance of this integration, that it promotes regional trade, stimulates waterfront development, and positions Lagos as a maritime logistics hub in West Africa. As regards balancing logistics with environmental sustainability, he added that LASWA remains committed to sustainable, environmentally conscious maritime operations. They prioritize sustainable and responsible maritime practices in line with international frameworks.
LASWA’s efforts extend to promoting eco-friendly transportation technologies; from working on introducing electric and hybrid powered ferries to supporting alternative fuels such as Compressed Natural Gas [CNG]. In collaboration with local and international partners, he added that LASWA is implementing waste management protocols for water transport operators because they recognize that a thriving ocean economy depends on maintaining healthy marine ecosystems. In terms of the socio economic and community Impact of maritime logistics on the ocean economy , the representative of LASWA observed that sustainability is not only about protecting the environment, but it is also about empowering people and communities.
Therefore maritime logistics must generate employment, stimulate local economies, and ensure inclusive, equitable access to transportation. To this end ,LASWA's initiatives, including the Lagos Water Savvy Kids Program and targeted community engagement projects such as the water hyacinth recycling program is aimed at fostering awareness, education, and capacity building. He emphasized that LASWA is nurturing a new generation of maritime professionals and waterway users by promoting water safety, environmental consciousness, and vocational training.
He added that beyond education, LASWA is collaborating with private operators to ensure fair pricing structures, improve accessibility for underserved coastal communities, and expand ferry services to emerging urban areas. These actions help create a more inclusive, resilient maritime economy that benefits the whole of Lagos State. When it comes to Innovation and the future of maritime logistics, LASWA recognizes that the maritime industry is undergoing rapid technological transformation- digital innovations such as smart ports, autonomous vessels, blockchain-enabled logistics, and predictive analytics.
These are redefining efficiency and sustainability and Lagos State must keep pace to remain competitive. Engr Oluwaseun said that at LASWA, they envision a future powered by data-driven insights, where real time vessel tracking, automated scheduling, and advanced weather forecasting optimize maritime operations, and that they have already commenced that with the establishment of the Waterways Monitoring & Data Management Centre. This vision extends to integrating maritime logistics with e commerce supply chains, enabling faster delivery of goods and fostering the Lagos State growing digital economy.
He added that public-private partnerships will be instrumental in driving this transformation. Therefore, by investing in smart infrastructure, renewable energy solutions, and cutting-edge maritime technologies, LASWA can contribute to accelerating the evolution of Lagos State into a modern, tech enabled maritime powerhouse. The representative of the General Manager of LASWA called for collaborative governance and global partnerships in achieving a sustainable ocean economy.
He acknowledged that sustainable maritime logistics cannot be achieved in isolation and that It requires unified action across governments, private enterprises, international organizations, and local communities. He said that LASWA remains committed to fostering multi-stakeholder collaborations that promote economic growth, environmental stewardship, and social inclusion.
He called for the establishment of robust policy frameworks, encouragement of responsible maritime practices, and investment in future-ready infrastructure. He hopes that this roundtable would serve as a springboard for bold, actionable solutions that positions Lagos and Nigeria as a leader in sustainable maritime logistics and that through collective effort, innovation, and unwavering commitment, we can ensure the sustainability of Nigeria’s ocean economy .
In response to the question whether there are any deliberate efforts to engage more women in the maritime industry , the representative of LASWA responded that the present administration has intentionally stimulated the participation of women. He pointed to the water hyacinth recycling project whose beneficiaries are women -the products of the recycling project are exhibited for sale at the LASWA headquarters. He added that in terms of administration of LASWA it self there is more that 100% increase in the number of women currently working at LASWA, starting with the Legal Adviser to the Water guards patrolling the Lagos Waterways.
He emphasized the unique perspectives brought by women and concluded that LASWA was prepared to take full advantage of the contribution of women to position itself as a leader in its field of operation.
Ruth Ikeme CHUKWUKEZIRIM, the Managing Director of Gobel Energy and Logistics recalled the progress that has been made in the maritime logistics space both in terms of technology and innovation as well as the participation of women.
She took the gathering through the historical physical customs inspection and the digitalized solutions currently at the ports and called for more investments in technology and innovation to move the industry forward .She called for intentionality in government policies and the creation of the enabling environment which will stimulate increased participation of women in the maritime industry .She shared her experience as a leader in the freight forwarding business and the challenges that women face in the industry . She acknowledged that there are more women in leadership positions in the industry today than when she first started out .She called for more support for women in the industry.
RECCOMMENDATIONS:
Acknowledging that efficiency in maritime logistics operations will lead to sustainable development of Nigeria’s ocean economy , the following recommendations were made:
1. Investment in modern and efficient port infrastructure in order to reduce congestion and increase efficiency
2. Promote the use of technology and innovation at the ports and stop all manual inspection of cargo
3. Develop and implement a comprehensive ocean economy development strategy to harness the potential of Nigeria's ocean economy and promote sustainable development.
4. Promote investment in ocean-based industries such as fisheries, tourism, and renewable energy.
5. Develop and implement effective governance and regulatory frameworks to ensure the sustainable use of ocean resources and promote responsible business practices.
6. Develop policies that encourage the participation of women and coastal communities in the ocean economy
7. Promote STEAM [Science Technology, Engineering , Arts & Mathematics ] education and training programs for girls and women to increase their participation in the ocean economy.
8. Provide mentorship and internship opportunities for women to give them hands-on experience in the ocean economy.
9.Foster collaboration between government agencies, private sector companies, and civil society organizations to promote maritime logistics and the development of a sustainable ocean economy.
10. Develop and implement partnerships with international organizations to access expertise, technology, and funding for sustainable maritime logistics and ocean economy development.
11.Protect the health, safety, and well-being of communities living and working along the coastlines and waterways.
12. Promote public-private partnerships to finance and deliver development project in the ocean economy.
PRESENTATION OF AWARDS
Certificate of Recognition was presented to each of the panelists by Mrs. Oludewa THORPE, Senior Partner O. Edodo ,Thorpe & Associates, Legal Practitioners .
BREAKFAST
The meeting ended with served breakfast for participants to network in a serene and more relaxed environment.
SPONSORSHIP
We look forward to receiving your sponsorship contribution
DATED AT LAGOS THIS 27TH DAY OF MARCH 2025.
