IMION Discusses Maritime Security and Global Trade at Workshop in Lagos

Lagos, April 15 — The International Maritime Industry Observatory of Nigeria (IMION) convened a high-level workshop in Lagos to address maritime security and its critical role in global trade, drawing attention to the strategic importance of Nigeria’s maritime domain.

The event, which brought together stakeholders from the public and private sectors, focused on the challenges facing Nigeria’s maritime industry and the opportunities for enhancing its contribution to global commerce.

In his opening remarks, IMION Director-General, Dr. Patrick Akintunde, emphasized that maritime security is central to both national development and international trade efficiency.

“With over 90% of global trade conducted by sea, maritime security is not a luxury — it is a necessity. Nigeria, as a leading maritime nation in West Africa, must safeguard its waters to harness full economic potential,” Akintunde stated.

Key Issues on the Agenda

Panel discussions explored topics such as:

• Piracy and maritime crime in the Gulf of Guinea
• The role of technology and surveillance systems in enhancing port security
• Nigeria’s compliance with international maritime laws and standards
• Logistics and infrastructure challenges at seaports

Experts highlighted the significant progress made through initiatives like the Deep Blue Project, but called for sustained investment in capacity building, intelligence sharing, and public-private collaboration.

Call for Policy Reform and Regional Cooperation

Participants also urged the Nigerian government to streamline maritime policies, support seafarer welfare, and strengthen inter-agency coordination. Representatives from ECOWAS and international shipping firms stressed the need for regional cooperation to curb transnational threats.

“No single country can secure its maritime borders alone. Collaboration is the anchor of modern maritime strategy,” said Capt. Aisha Bello, a maritime security analyst.

Conclusion

The workshop concluded with a call for innovative solutions and strategic partnerships to secure Nigeria’s maritime space and enhance its competitiveness in global trade. IMION pledged continued engagement with stakeholders to drive reform and investment in the sector.