AMJON Summit: Maritime Journalists Must Embrace Innovation to Shape Nigeria’s Future — Osokpo
The President of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON), Vera Osokpo, has called on maritime journalists to embrace innovation, continuous learning and emerging technologies to effectively contribute to the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Osokpo made the call on Friday, September 4, 2026, while delivering her welcome address at the 2026 AMJON Maritime Training Summit, held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The summit, organised under the theme, “The Power of Innovation in a Future-Ready Maritime Training Agenda,” brought together key stakeholders from the maritime industry, government agencies, security organisations, the media and the private sector.
According to Osokpo, the theme was deliberately chosen to prepare maritime professionals and journalists for the rapidly changing realities of the industry, particularly as technology, automation, digitalisation and other innovations continue to reshape global maritime operations.
She declared that if Nigeria must take the lead in Africa, its maritime sector must also take the lead, stressing that training and innovation must remain central to the development of a modern and globally competitive maritime industry.
The AMJON President expressed appreciation to NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) for collaborating with the association to organise the summit, describing the company’s support as evidence of the important role the private sector can play in building the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
She also commended the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigeria Customs Service and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for their participation and contributions to the summit.
Osokpo further acknowledged the contributions of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigerian Navy and other security agencies involved in securing Nigeria’s waterways, ports and maritime domain.
Addressing members of AMJON and the wider media community, she described the summit as more than a training programme, but a mission aimed at equipping journalists with the knowledge required to report effectively on developments in the maritime sector.
“As maritime journalists, we are the bridge between policy and the people; between the port and the public; between government decisions and the citizens whose lives and businesses are affected by those decisions,” she said.
She noted that journalists cannot effectively report innovation without first understanding it, just as they cannot help shape the future without understanding the emerging trends that will define the industry.
The AMJON President therefore urged participants to use the summit to acquire new knowledge, exchange ideas, build partnerships and strengthen their capacity to report on the transformation taking place across Nigeria’s maritime sector.
She also emphasised the strategic importance of the maritime industry to the Nigerian economy, noting that developments in the sector have direct implications for trade, transportation, energy, employment, revenue generation, food security and international commerce.
“Maritime is not just a sector matter. Maritime is a national matter,” Osokpo declared, adding that “when the ports work, Nigeria works.”
The AMJON President also used the occasion to celebrate Nigerians who have distinguished themselves through professionalism, excellence and service to national development.
She congratulated the recipients of the AMJON awards, noting that their contributions deserved recognition and encouragement.
Osokpo expressed optimism that the summit would provide participants with new ideas, stronger partnerships and renewed determination to build a maritime industry that is innovative, efficient, safe, sustainable and ready for the future.
She urged maritime journalists to use their platforms to tell stories that would promote Nigeria’s maritime potential and position the country as a leading maritime hub in Africa.
One Comment