Nigeria's Maritime Future Depends on Human Capital Investment

Dr Taiwo Afolabi, the Group Executive Chairman of SIFAX Group, stated that Nigeria's maritime future will depend on investments in human capital rather than just natural resources. He made this assertion at the 2026 Taiwo Afolabi Annual Maritime Conference held at the University of Lagos, themed ‘Ten Tides of Impact: Raising a Generation to Position Nigeria as Africa’s Blue Giant’.

Afolabi, represented by Mrs Wunmi Eniola-Jegede, urged young Nigerians to prepare for leadership roles in the maritime sector, emphasizing the need for skilled and innovative professionals. He remarked that Nigeria's blue economy has been viewed as a "sleeping giant" and called for a new generation to awaken it.

The conference, organized by the Maritime Forum in partnership with SIFAX Group, attracted over 2,000 participants and featured discussions on bridging academic learning with industry practice. Dr Dayo Mobereola, Director-General of NIMASA, reiterated the government's commitment to youth involvement in the blue economy through various initiatives aimed at career development in maritime sectors.