The Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) will host maritime stakeholders, policymakers, regulators and industry experts at its 2026 Maritime Training Summit in Lagos on September 4.
The one-day event will take place at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, under the theme, “The Power of Innovation in a Future-Ready Maritime Training Agenda.”
The summit will focus on the role of human capital, technology and innovation in helping Nigeria unlock the economic potential of its blue economy.
AMJON said the gathering would create an avenue for stakeholders to exchange knowledge and develop practical strategies for strengthening the maritime workforce through innovation, technology and continuous professional training.
The Association noted that Nigeria’s strategic coastal position provides access to international maritime trade routes and extensive marine resources, but said these advantages could not generate sustainable economic benefits without a skilled and technologically capable workforce.
It identified ports, shipping, logistics, fisheries, offshore energy, shipbuilding and repairs, alongside emerging blue economy activities, as areas with significant potential for economic growth.
According to AMJON, sustained investment in maritime training, retraining and professional development is necessary to develop indigenous expertise and position Nigeria’s maritime industry to compete globally.
A key feature of the summit will be a presentation by the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Dr Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on “An Overview of Customs Journey for National Economic Security Using Cutting-Edge Innovations.”
AMJON said the presentation would highlight recent technological and operational changes within the Customs Service, including the Unified Customs Management System, known as B’Odogwu, and its integration with the National Single Window initiative.
Other innovations expected to come under discussion include the Time Release Study, which seeks to identify delays in cargo clearance; the One Stop Shop initiative for coordinating customs operations; and the use of drones for geospatial surveillance of borders.
The Association said the reforms demonstrate the potential of technology to modernise customs and maritime operations, improve legitimate trade and strengthen national economic security.
The summit is expected to attract government officials, maritime regulators, heads of government agencies, shipping companies, port and terminal operators, freight forwarders, customs brokers, training institutions, academics, technology specialists and development partners.
Participants will examine the skills shortages facing the maritime industry and consider practical measures for building a workforce capable of adapting to emerging technologies, changing global trade patterns and evolving regulations.
Key areas of discussion will include digital maritime training, technology-based capacity development, artificial intelligence and automation, port and customs digitalisation, maritime safety and security, workforce reskilling and upskilling, indigenous manpower development and innovation in maritime education.
Stakeholders will also explore the role of public-private partnerships in strengthening maritime training institutions and ensuring that their curricula reflect the changing requirements of shipping, port operations, logistics, customs administration and offshore activities.
