The Nigerian Association of Master Mariners (NAMM) has elected Capt. Olajide Olugunwa as its new president, with maritime experts warning that Nigeria must urgently strengthen port infrastructure, digital systems and regulatory frameworks to prepare for the arrival of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS).
The developments featured at the association’s Annual General Meeting and Recognition Awards held on Saturday at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, where industry leaders, former government officials, maritime professionals and corporate organisations were honoured for their contributions to the sector.
Speaking at the event, maritime expert Capt. Olugbenga Abidoye warned that Nigeria’s ports could struggle to accommodate autonomous vessels without adequate institutional and operational preparations.
Presenting a paper titled “Preparing Nigerian Ports for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Operations: Beyond Infrastructure to Institutional Readiness,” Abidoye said Nigeria scored 1.9 out of five in a port-readiness assessment, highlighting significant gaps that could affect the country’s ability to accommodate the emerging technology.
He identified physical infrastructure, digital systems, institutional capacity and operational procedures as four critical areas requiring urgent attention, warning that poor coordination among maritime agencies and gaps in existing regulations could complicate the introduction of autonomous vessels.
Abidoye called for a review of the Merchant Shipping Act 2007 to establish clear procedures for emergencies, communication failures and remote vessel operations. He also noted that the International Maritime Organization’s roadmap envisages a mandatory framework for autonomous ships by July 2032, stressing that Nigeria must demonstrate its readiness to remain competitive in global shipping.
In another presentation, Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu, who spoke on “Port Stimulus and Economic Growth: The Nigerian Experience,” identified ageing infrastructure, shallow drafts, congestion, delays, cargo diversion and bureaucratic inefficiency as major constraints on the performance of Nigerian ports.
He discussed a proposed port modernisation programme valued at approximately $1 billion, covering Apapa, Tin Can Island, Warri, Onne in Rivers State and Calabar.
Ebubeogu advocated a balanced approach to port development, with investment in both Eastern and Western ports, alongside improved channel management, better road access, smart and sustainable port designs, and the expansion of ship repair, dry-docking and bunkering services.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Dr. Bolaji Thompson outlined the Federal Government’s efforts to develop the maritime sector through policy reforms, infrastructure renewal, security improvements and human capital development.
He said the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, approved by the Federal Executive Council in May 2025, targets annual sector growth of seven per cent and increased employment opportunities.
Thompson also cited ministry figures indicating that revenue from the sector rose from approximately N700 billion in 2023 to more than N1.8 trillion in 2025. He highlighted improvements in maritime security, rehabilitation works at the Lagos ports and expanded opportunities for seafarer training.
He assured the association of the ministry’s willingness to deepen collaboration with NAMM on policy development, professional training and maritime security.
In his inaugural address, Olugunwa said his administration would prioritise unity within the association, pledging to address internal divisions, rebuild trust and promote collaboration among experienced mariners, mid-career professionals and younger members.
He also identified the completion and furnishing of NAMM’s permanent secretariat as a major mid-term objective, describing the facility as a future centre for technical research, professional engagement, policy support and mentoring.
On seafarer welfare, the new president said his administration would engage the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, to address delays in acquiring sea time, obtaining internationally competitive Certificates of Competency and progressing professionally.
Olugunwa further pledged to strengthen mentoring programmes for younger mariners and position NAMM as a technical advisory partner to the Federal Government, particularly the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. He said the association would also advocate effective implementation of the Cabotage Act and collaborate with the Nigerian Navy, NIMASA and other stakeholders on wreck removal, maritime security and safer navigation.
The AGM also featured the recognition of prominent figures in the maritime and oil and gas industries for their contributions to professional development and sector growth.
Aare Adebayo Babatunde Sarumi, former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority and Chairman of Mission to Seafarers, Lagos, was honoured as Life Patron, while Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, Chairman of STARZS Investment Company Limited, was named Honorary Fellow and Life Patron.
Former Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, received a Fellowship, alongside HRM Dr. (Capt.) Adejimi Adu, the Ogoga of Ikere and Chairman of the Ekiti Council of Obas.
Capt. (Prof.) Abiodun Sule, Executive Director of the Nigerian Institute of Oceanography and Marine Research, was named Honorary Fellow, while Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of SIFAX Group, received the titles of Honorary Fellow and Patron.
Other recipients of fellowship honours included Capt. Philip Olukotun, Capt. Olugbemiga Abidoye, Capt. Ayodele Arogbonlo, Capt. Samuel Runsewe, Capt. Francis Kponu and Capt. Adewale Ishola.
The association also conferred posthumous fellowships on four deceased members: Capt. Solomon Omotesho, Capt. Adamu Biu, Capt. K. O. Alaba and Senator (Capt.) Cosmas Niagwan.
Integrated Oil and Gas and STARZS Investment Limited were admitted as corporate members, while Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited was also recognised.
In his remarks, Iheanacho congratulated the new executive and challenged its members to build on the achievements of their predecessors. He urged stakeholders to move beyond policy pronouncements to practical implementation, while commending NAMM’s role in training and mentoring maritime professionals.
The new executive team comprises Capt. Olugunwa as President; Capt. (Dr.) Michael Ogbekile Ogochukwu Ifesemen as Senior Vice President; Capt. Ambrose Ojuyenum as Vice President; Dr. (Capt.) Rasheed Onakoya as General Secretary; Capt. Joseph Adamu-Alamba as Publicity Secretary; Capt. Olanrewaju Begusa as Financial Secretary; Capt. Steve Olabode Akintade as Assistant Secretary; Capt. Benedict Ofili as Treasurer; and Capt. (Barr.) Ladi Olanrewaju as Legal Adviser.
The event was attended by the Secretary-General of the African Shipowners Association, Funmi Folorunso; immediate past President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, Comrade Adewale Adeyanju; President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, Mr. Lucky Amiwero; and Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, among other industry stakeholders.
