LAGOS HOSTS MARITIME WEEK AS AFRICA’S BLUE ECONOMY TAKES SPOTLIGHT
By Michael Asuquo, Lagos
The Lagos International Maritime Week (LIMWEEK) has ended with renewed calls for Africa to harness its ocean wealth more decisively.
The 10th edition of the event, held from 29–30 September at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, brought together government officials, industry leaders and international partners. This year’s theme, “Our Oceans, Our Seas, Our Obligation – Maximising Africa’s Ocean Resources,” reflected growing concern that the continent’s maritime potential remains largely untapped.
Keynote speaker Dr Olusegun Musa, Chief Executive of Global Transport Policy, described the blue economy as central to Africa’s future. “Our ocean is not a resource to be plundered but a partner in prosperity,” he said. “It holds the key to food security, sustainable jobs and climate resilience. The opportunity is immediate and tangible, yet still underutilised.”
The conference’s convener, Mrs Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore of Zoe Maritime Resources Ltd, highlighted the challenge of insecurity in African waters. She warned that the continent’s development goals cannot be achieved without addressing threats at sea. “Developing Africa’s Ocean resources is crucial to tackling poverty. Development cannot exist without maritime security,” she said.
Panel sessions explored issues ranging from shipping and port development to maritime law, arbitration, and education. Discussions also covered security in the Gulf of Guinea and the growing role of women in maritime leadership. Organisers placed special emphasis on young people, hosting mentorship sessions to expose cadets and students to established professionals in the field.
Among the senior figures present were Denmark’s Consul General, Ms Jette Bjerrum; Lagos State Waterways Authority General Manager, Mr Oluwadamilare Emmanuel; Nigerian Chamber of Shipping Director-General, Mrs Vivian-Chimezie Azubuike; and Creative Director of Maritime TV Africa, Ezinne Azunna. Their participation underlined the wide spectrum of stakeholders invested in Africa’s maritime future.
Marking its 10th anniversary, LIMWEEK reflected on a decade of maritime advocacy in Nigeria and beyond. Organisers noted that the platform has helped shape debate on piracy, port reform, environmental sustainability and women’s participation in the industry. As the curtain closed on this year’s edition, delegates agreed that Africa’s blue economy is not an aspiration for the future but a pressing agenda for today.
