The International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION) has launched an executive course on maritime security and global trade, aimed at addressing critical issues in the ocean economy and fostering sustainable development in Nigeria.
The two-day seminar, themed “Maritime Security & Global Trade”, will take place at the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Quorra in Lagos on April 29 and 30, 2025.
The event brings together maritime experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to deliberate on strategies to secure Nigeria’s maritime domain and enhance global trade.
In his opening remarks, Rear Admiral Thaddeus Christopher Udofia, Director General of IMION, emphasised the growing importance of the blue economy, noting its potential for economic growth, environmental stewardship, and job creation. He cited the establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as a key milestone in recognising the ocean’s value.
He said this course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to tackle maritime security threats, navigate complex regulatory frameworks, and propose practical solutions for boosting global trade. .
Udofia described the program as a platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange, aimed at empowering stakeholder especially senior executives in the maritime sector to develop and implement policies that advance Nigeria’s blue economy agenda.
Speaking to journalists, Udofia explained that IMION, established by the Nigerian Navy, serves as a research and training hub for maritime strategies and innovations affecting Nigeria and the wider Gulf of Guinea region.
“This course is equally designed for sea-suit executives, whom we believe are policy formulators and people who can influence policies, as well as design strategies for their implementation. And so we believe that this course is important for the stakeholders, that when they are back to their respective institutes or organizations, they are able to learn, take the lessons from here, to know that maritime security is a strategic imperative for economic growth, and that maritime trade implies that it has a significant influence on economic growth.”
In a keynote paper presentation, Rear Admiral Francis Akpan (Rtd) analyzed the global maritime security landscape, stating that global power dynamics are increasingly shaped by political, economic, and military influence.
“Some of the worst malfeasance in the world occurs at sea,” Akpan said. “The maritime domain will continue to play a crucial role in global stability and economic development.”
He noted that global sea trade rebounded in 2023, growing by 2.4% to reach 12.3 billion tons, following a contraction in 2022. However, he warned that rising maritime activity is happening alongside growing insecurity, illegal trafficking, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, and the escalating impact of climate change.
