The erstwhile Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman is the keynote speaker at the 2026 Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) annual maritime lecture while the Executive Director, Technical Operations, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Captain Warredi Enisouh will serve as the Chairman of the occasion.
The MARAN Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL) is scheduled to hold on September 10, 2026 by 10:00 am at the Nigerian Air Force Event Centre, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Maritime Bits checks reveals that MAMAL is MARAN’s flagship programme and it has over the years, brings together key government officials, maritime industry regulators, academics, shipping magnates, freight forwarders, journalists and other critical stakeholders in the maritime sector to deliberate on issues affecting the growth and competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The theme of this year’s lecture is “Nigerian Ports Modernisation, Charges and the Competitiveness Question.”
In the same vein, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola will be the Special Guest of Honour.
These were contained in a statement issued by MARAN and signed by its President, Mr. Yinka Onigbinde.
According to the statement, the lecture would provide an important platform to examine the urgent need for modernisation of Nigerian ports and the benefits such modernisation would bring to the nation’s economy. Efficient and modern port infrastructure is critical to improving cargo handling, reducing delays and costs, attracting investment and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a competitive maritime hub. MAMAL 2026 would also provide an opportunity for stakeholders to engage in constructive discussions on port charges and other factors affecting the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
The statement described the former NPA managing Director as “an experienced voice in the maritime sector” whose wealth of knowledge and experience would add significant value to the discussions at the lecture.
MARAN also expressed its appreciation to Enisouh for accepting to chair the event just as it described his experience in maritime security and industry development as an added value to the programme.
It noted that the readiness of Oyetola to be the special guest of honour further underscores the importance of the theme and the Federal Government’s efforts towards repositioning Nigeria’s maritime sector for greater efficiency and competitiveness.
It also noted that the 2026 edition of MAMAL which is the fourth in the series, underscores the association’s commitment to providing a credible platform for informed debate and professional engagement on critical maritime issues.
The association which remains the umbrella body for journalists covering the maritime sector of the economy enjoined stakeholders in the maritime industry including government officials, maritime regulators, operators, academics, freight forwarders, shipping companies, port users, industry associations, and the media to attend and participate actively in MAMAL.
