BUSINESS DAY MARITIME CONFERENCE 2025

AFMESI Champions Sustainable Maritime Policy at Business Day Maritime Conference 2025

The African Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) proudly participated in the prestigious Business Day Maritime Conference 2025, held on September 30th at the Orienta Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos. Themed “Strengthening Nigeria’s Maritime Business: Bridging Policy Gaps and Optimizing Global Competitiveness,” the conference convened top-tier stakeholders from government, industry, academia, and civil society to chart a sustainable course for Nigeria’s maritime future.

Representing AFMESI, Dr. (Mrs.) Felicia Chinwe Mogo, President of AFMESI and former Director of Marine Environment Management at NIMASA, served as a distinguished panelist in the session on “Policy and Infrastructure Reforms for a Stronger Maritime Sector.” Her insights underscored AFMESI’s leadership in promoting sustainable ocean governance and advancing the blue economy across Africa.

Dr. Mogo’s presentation underscored several pivotal themes. She emphasized the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into Nigeria’s maritime policies to enhance resilience, attract investment, and secure long-term competitiveness. She also advocated for improved institutional coordination, calling for streamlined mandates and stronger inter-agency collaboration to reduce policy duplication and promote effective maritime governance. On infrastructure, Dr. Mogo championed the development of climate-resilient, inclusive port and coastal facilities that foster blue economy linkages and uplift coastal communities. Finally, she highlighted the need for capacity building and innovation, urging targeted investments in marine science, digital shipping technologies, and sustainable port management—with a particular focus on empowering youth and women.

Driving Maritime Policy Reform and Global Competitiveness

The conference’s keynote, delivered by Mrs. Mfon Usoro, FCILT, reinforced the call for coherent maritime governance, smart port infrastructure, and private sector engagement. Discussions throughout the event echoed AFMESI’s mission to bridge policy gaps and align Nigeria’s maritime sector with global best practices.

Photo Highlights from the Conference

These images reflect AFMESI’s commitment to thought leadership and collaborative action in shaping a sustainable maritime future.

As Nigeria positions itself as a maritime hub in West and Central Africa, AFMESI continues to lead the charge in shaping a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive maritime sector.