The Nigerian maritime community, comprising Master Mariners, Seafarers, Port Operators, Marine Engineers and industry stakeholders, gathered at the Mission to Seafarers Complex, Apapa, Lagos, on 17 July 2025, for the official unveiling of the Waterside Centre, a strategic hub for dialogue, mentorship, and collaboration in the maritime and blue economy sectors.
The event, chaired by Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, former Minister of Interior and Chairman of Integrated Oil & Gas Limited, and hosted by Hope Orivri, PhD., MPH, Chief Executive Officer of the Waterside Centre, brought together maritime veterans, policymakers, academics, and young professionals. It also featured a symposium in honour of the late Dr. Chris Asoluka, a distinguished maritime industry leader.
Key Highlights
1. Launch of the Waterside Centre
The Centre was formally inaugurated as a community hub for maritime discourse, mentorship, research, and social interaction.
It will serve as a knowledge-sharing platform to engage youths, seafarers, port operators, boat operators, and coastal residents, while preserving indigenous knowledge and promoting sustainability.
The Centre will host a periodic Mariners’ Forum to discuss emerging challenges and opportunities in the maritime sector.
2. Tribute to Late Dr. Chris Asoluka
The gathering honoured the legacy of Dr. Asoluka through an inaugural annual symposium dedicated to celebrating his contributions to Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy development.
3. Safety Protocols and Crew Welfare
Captain Iheanacho emphasized the importance of robust safety management systems (SMS), regular audits, and continuous improvement in reducing accidents and protecting crew welfare.
Specific Nigerian maritime safety practices highlighted include:
Pre-arrival security submissions to NIMASA.
24-hour vessel vigilance and adherence to AIS protocols.
Compliance with IMO/ILO international standards.
Strict anti-stowaway and maritime threat prevention measures.
4. Technical Paper: Workforce Development and Skills Gap
A lead presentation by Engr. Richard Owolabi, Head of Technical (Abuja MoU), titled “Training and Development: Investing in Maritime Workforce Development to Bridge the Skills Gap in the Face of Emerging Technologies”, highlighted the following:
The maritime industry is undergoing rapid technological transformation driven by automation, AI, green shipping, cybersecurity, IoT, and digital systems.
A skills gap exists between current workforce competencies and the demands of these emerging technologies.
Investment areas include upgrading maritime academy curricula, establishing centres of excellence, promoting digital and remote learning, public-private partnerships, and sustainable funding for training.
Outcomes of strategic investment will include enhanced safety, reduced human error, future-ready jobs, improved regulatory compliance, and competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers globally.
Recommendations
Government: Scale up investments in maritime academies, policy reforms, and national workforce development plans.
Maritime Institutions: Modernize curricula, invest in simulators, and prioritize continuous professional development.
Industry Players: Offer apprenticeships including seatime for seafarers, sponsor training programmes, and collaborate on digital transformation.
International Organizations: Provide technical support, align training with IMO/ILO standards, and strengthen funding mechanisms.
Mariners: Initiate steps toward the creation of a Nigerian Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Club to address insurance gaps and strengthen risk management in shipping.
Conclusion
The unveiling of the Waterside Centre marked a pivotal step toward building a collaborative maritime community in Nigeria. By strengthening safety protocols, investing in workforce development, and embracing technological innovations, the sector will be better positioned to enhance trade efficiency, safeguard the marine environment, and secure Nigeria’s place in the global blue economy.
Rapporteur
Mr. Kenneth Jukpor
