Nigeria’s vast waters could do more than provide fish—they could support jobs, strengthen food security, improve coastal livelihoods and create new opportunities for young people if the country fully unlocks the potential of its blue economy.
This was at the centre of discussions in Lagos on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, when the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) paid a courtesy visit to the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION), seeking stronger collaboration on maritime knowledge, research and sustainable development.
MARCON described IMION as “one of Nigeria’s Centres of Excellence in terms of knowledge-driven development on the Blue Economy,” stressing the importance of linking expertise, policy and media engagement to the development of the maritime sector.
The MARCON Executive Team, led by its National President, Mr. Ismail Aniemu, said the visit was aimed at establishing a strategic partnership around maritime knowledge sharing, stakeholder engagement and initiatives capable of advancing Nigeria’s blue economy.
For a country with extensive coastal waters and a large population dependent on fish and other aquatic resources, the stakeholders noted that sustainable management of the maritime space has implications far beyond the industry itself.
Welcoming the delegation, IMION Director-General, Rear Admiral Thaddeus Udofia (Rtd), Ph.D., described the Institute as a strategic think tank, research and training institution established to promote sustainable growth in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Aniemu commended the Institute for the progress it has recorded within its first two years, particularly the growing network of alumni cutting across the public and private sectors of the maritime industry.
“I want to commend you for the growth the Institute has recorded within the two years of your existence. You are embossing your signature in the sands of time,” Aniemu stated.
“You are indeed gifted and blessed with a very hardworking team. MARCON identifies this, and it would not be out of place for us to mention it. Well done to you and the team.”
He also highlighted the relevance of IMION’s problem-solving courses to the wider maritime ecosystem, noting that knowledge acquired through the programmes could contribute to improved decision-making and policy implementation across the sector.
A practical step in the emerging partnership will see IMION participate in MARCON’s National Conference on Sustainable Fishing scheduled for September 30, 2026, in Apapa, Lagos.
The conference will examine pathways for sustainable growth, food security and improved livelihoods in coastal communities, with discussions expected to focus on Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, Nigeria’s participation in the aquatic value chain and maritime security.
Aniemu described sustainable fishing as a critical component of the blue economy and stressed the need for Nigeria to derive greater value from its aquatic resources.
For fishermen, fish processors, traders and families that depend on affordable fish as a source of food and income, the issues are particularly significant. Better management of Nigeria’s aquatic resources could translate into more sustainable livelihoods while protecting the resources on which coastal communities depend.
Rear Admiral Udofia confirmed IMION’s readiness to bring its expertise to the conference, while challenging MARCON to deepen its involvement beyond conventional reporting of maritime activities.
He urged the organisation to participate actively in the Institute’s academic programmes, monitor public perceptions of IMION and amplify initiatives aimed at driving high-value growth across Nigeria’s blue economy.
Udofia also called on the media to use its platforms to promote values that support sustainable development of the blue economy, not only in Nigeria but across the Gulf of Guinea.
He said stronger interaction between IMION and MARCON would help disseminate critical maritime knowledge while contributing to solutions to contemporary challenges confronting the sector.
The emerging partnership therefore places knowledge, responsible journalism and stakeholder engagement at the heart of efforts to turn Nigeria’s vast aquatic resources into sustainable economic opportunities for the people.
By Innocent Onoh
