By Sandra Chukwunyere
The Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO), has announced that its 2026 National Convention will advance maritime reforms, strengthen policy implementation and improve regulatory efficiency in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The three-day event will run from November 12 to 14, 2026, with the Meet & Greet scheduled for November 12 at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos, while the main convention will hold on November 13 and 14 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Tagged AMANO Convention 2026, the event is themed, “From Policy to Practice: Executing Maritime Excellence Through Professional Capability and Real-World Results.”
Speaking during a media briefing at the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) Centre, Apapa, Lagos, on Saturday, November 7, 2026, AMANO President, Mr Emmanuel Maiguwa, said the convention would bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation by promoting practical measures capable of translating government initiatives into measurable industry achievements.
He noted that despite the introduction of important frameworks, including the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy and reforms in port operations and seafarers’ development, effective implementation remained a major challenge.
Maiguwa said the convention would provide a platform for stakeholders to examine existing policies, identify regulatory and operational gaps and develop recommendations to strengthen maritime administration and industry competitiveness.
He added that AMANO would leverage the professional experience of its members across shipping, port management, marine engineering, oil and gas, navigation and maritime law to contribute to sustainable industry development.
He stressed that the convention would go beyond speeches and deliberations, noting that its recommendations would be forwarded to relevant authorities for consideration and implementation.
Maiguwa maintained that stronger institutional collaboration, professional competence and commitment to translating policies into practical results were essential to building a competitive and sustainable Nigerian maritime industry.
Chairman of the Convention Planning Committee, Chief Jonathan Agassi, said the event would address practical challenges affecting the efficiency, growth and international competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Agassi identified vessel registration and ownership transfer as critical areas requiring urgent reforms.
He cited the experience of a Nigerian shipowner who reportedly spent eight months completing the registration and ownership transfer of a vessel under the Nigerian flag, compared with two weeks for another vessel registered under the Marshall Islands flag.
He said the disparity raised serious questions about administrative efficiency and regulatory bottlenecks, adding that the convention would provide an opportunity for industry operators to examine such challenges and propose workable solutions.
The convention will focus on two major discussion areas considered essential to maritime development.
The first session, titled “From Policy to Practice: Implementing IMO Standards with Measurable National Results and a Stronger Compliance Culture,” will examine how Nigeria can translate its commitments to international maritime conventions into effective national implementation, improved regulatory compliance and measurable industry performance.
The second session, “Human Element at Sea and Ashore: Turning Training Policies into Competence and Performance,” will focus on strengthening maritime education, training and certification to produce competent professionals capable of improving safety and operational efficiency.
According to the organisers, both sessions will generate specific recommendations identifying implementation priorities, responsible institutions and measurable performance indicators. The organisers will document the outcomes and present them to relevant government authorities and industry stakeholders.
Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, and President of the World Maritime University, Mr Maximo Mejia, are expected to attend as Special Guests of Honour.
Other speakers include IMO Consultant and former Nigerian representative at the International Maritime Organization, Mr William Azuh, and Deputy General Manager, Marine, TotalEnergies, Mr Larry Amaraibi.
The panel will feature Secretary-General of the Abuja MoU on Port State Control for West and Central Africa, Capt. Sunday Umoren; Director-General of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Mrs Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike; Managing Director of STARZS Investment Company Limited, Mrs Iroghama Ogbeifun; and Executive Director, Technical and Operations, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, who will moderate the discussion.
AMANO has called on shipping companies, terminal operators, oil and gas firms, logistics providers, financial institutions, maritime training institutions and other industry stakeholders to participate as delegates, partners and sponsors.
The association also identified opportunities for collaboration in professional development, cadet training, industrial placements and graduate recruitment through its Cadet Work Experience Scheme (CWES).
