By BONIFACE AKARAH

Nigeria is set to commemorate World Maritime Day 2026 on Friday, October 16, with key industry stakeholders expected to focus on translating maritime policies into measurable results and unlocking the country’s Blue Economy potential.

In a statement ahead of the celebration, Hajia Lami Tumaka, FNIPR, Chairperson of the Media Sub-Committee, said the event would bring together industry stakeholders under the theme, “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”

The celebration is expected to be declared open by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON.

According to the statement, the theme highlights the urgent need to move beyond policy formulation and ensure effective implementation across the maritime sector.

“The theme underscores the urgent need to translate maritime policies into measurable outcomes, strengthen regulatory frameworks, promote innovation, and deliver tangible benefits to seafarers and other industry stakeholders,” the statement said.

A keynote presentation by Mrs Mfon Ekong Usoro, titled “From Policy to Practice: Strengthening Nigeria’s Blue Economy,” will examine practical strategies for improving industry performance and harnessing Nigeria’s vast maritime resources.

The statement said the presentation would focus on ways to improve the sector’s performance and maximise the benefits of the country’s maritime assets.

“The commemoration reinforces a vital message: Nigeria’s maritime future depends not merely on sound policies, but on effective implementation, collaboration, and results,” the statement added.

The event is expected to draw attention to the importance of cooperation among stakeholders and the need to turn policy commitments into practical outcomes for Nigeria’s maritime industry.