Port Efficiency, Emerging Technologies: AMJON Holds Annual Conference with Stakeholders April 30 in Lagos
By Raheem Ibrahim
Maritime experts and stakeholders are set to participate in the forthcoming second-quarter conference of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON), where discussions will focus on port efficiency and emerging technologies needed to compete with global standards.
The conference, scheduled to hold at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, on Thursday, April 30, 2026, is to commence by 10 a.m., with stakeholders discussing the theme, “Attaining Port Efficiency in the Face of Emerging Technology.”
The event is expected to bring together key stakeholders and maritime experts from both the public and private sectors to engage in meaningful dialogue aimed at enhancing port operations and unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential.
The conference will serve as a platform to assess the impact of technological advancements on seaport efficiency, encourage the exchange of ideas, and strengthen collaboration across the maritime industry.
Discussions will also address persistent challenges affecting the performance of major ports, including Warri, Calabar, and Port Harcourt.
The association’s past conferences have consistently provided a credible forum for industry experts to deliberate on critical national issues, particularly those related to maritime development and economic growth.
The Chairman of the event’s Organising Committee, Raymond Tedunjaiye, in a statement, described AMJON as a leading body of maritime journalists drawn from print, electronic, and online media.
According to him, the outcomes and recommendations from the conference will be documented and presented to relevant government authorities for consideration and possible implementation.
He revealed that key agencies expected at the conference include the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the Nigeria Police Force, and representatives of maritime labour unions and terminal operators.
Tedunjaiye added that among the dignitaries expected to grace the event are the Comptroller-General of Customs, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Director-General of NIMASA, senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, as well as industry captains, port managers, and leading maritime stakeholders.
He said, “A highlight of the conference will be an awards segment recognising individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to the growth and development of the maritime sector.”
Also speaking on the importance of the conference, AMJON President, Vera Osokpo, stated that the event has been carefully designed to address pressing industry concerns, citing the growing role of technology in port operations, even as infrastructural challenges such as inadequate road networks, limited rail connectivity, and unreliable power supply continue to pose constraints.
Osokpo noted that discussions will focus on trade facilitation strategies that will improve efficiency without compromising security. She added that other key areas include the adoption of automation and smart port technologies, as well as the digital transformation of port processes.
While reaffirming its position as a key voice in Nigeria’s maritime and blue economy sector, AMJON assured participants of insightful presentations, expert-led discussions, and valuable networking opportunities aimed at fostering new partnerships and driving sustainable industry growth.
