MAMAL 2026: MARAN Unveils Theme on Port Modernisation and Competitiveness
MARAN Annual Lecture
The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria, MARAN, has unveiled the theme for the 2026 edition of its flagship MARAN Annual Maritime Lecture, MAMAL, with discussions expected to focus on reforms needed to enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports.
The annual lecture according to the association is scheduled to hold on September 10, 2026, at the Naval Dockyard, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the theme: “Nigeria Ports Modernisation, Charges and the Competitiveness Question.”
According to MARAN, the event will bring together top government officials, maritime industry leaders and other stakeholders to examine critical issues affecting the nation’s port system, including infrastructure modernisation, operational efficiency, port charges, trade facilitation and policy reforms aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, will attend as the Special Guest of Honour, reaffirming the Federal Government’s commitment to ongoing reforms in the maritime and blue economy sector.
The keynote address will be delivered by Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Policy and Coordination and Head of the Central Delivery Coordination Unit, CDCU. She is expected to outline the Federal Government’s policy direction and the role of coordinated reforms in improving port efficiency, attracting investment and driving economic growth.
Speaking ahead of the event, MARAN President, Mr. Oluyinka Onigbinde, disclosed that the lecture will be chaired by TANTITA Security Services Limited.
He said the annual lecture would attract government officials, maritime agencies, terminal operators, shipping companies, port users, investors, academics, development partners and media practitioners to engage in robust discussions on the future of Nigeria’s port industry.
Onigbinde noted that MAMAL has become one of the maritime sector’s foremost policy dialogue platforms, providing stakeholders with opportunities to exchange ideas, build strategic partnerships and recommend practical solutions to challenges confronting the industry.
He expressed confidence that this year’s edition would produce actionable recommendations on reducing the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports, improving operational efficiency, boosting investor confidence and accelerating Nigeria’s aspiration to become the preferred maritime and logistics hub in the sub-region.
Onigbinde also called on stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to participate actively in the lecture, describing MAMAL 2026 as a strategic platform for shaping policies, fostering partnerships and driving sustainable growth, innovation and competitiveness in Nigeria’s maritime industry.