NPA, OGFZA, NEPZA, Tantita to Discuss Blue Economy, SEZs, Maritime Security at MARCON Conference
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited are billed to present strategic papers at the 2026 Conference of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON).
The conference, with the theme: “Special Economic Zones as Catalysts to Sustainable Blue Economy”, will hold on June 10, 2026, at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, and is expected to bring together stakeholders from the maritime, energy, logistics, trade, investment, and security sectors.
According to the organisers, the conference will examine how Special Economic Zones (SEZs) can accelerate Nigeria’s blue economy development, strengthen maritime security, and promote industrial growth.
At the conference, the Nigerian Ports Authority will present a paper titled: “Optimising Port Infrastructure to Unlock the Full Potential of Special Economic Zones in Nigeria.”
The paper will focus on the importance of modern port infrastructure, seamless cargo movement, efficient logistics systems, and trade facilitation measures in enhancing the performance and competitiveness of Nigeria’s Special Economic Zones.
Similarly, the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority will deliver a paper titled: “The Strategic Role of Free Zones in Supporting Nigeria’s Blue Economy and Energy Exports.”
The presentation is expected to examine how free zones within the oil and gas sector can stimulate industrialisation, support energy exports, attract foreign investment, and strengthen maritime-linked economic activities.
Also, the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority will present a paper titled: “Unlocking Nigeria’s Blue Economy Through Strategic Development of Free Zones.”
The paper will highlight the role of export processing zones in promoting industrial clusters, boosting exports, encouraging coastal economic development, and expanding Nigeria’s non-oil revenue base.
In the area of maritime security, Captain Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, will present a paper titled: “Strengthening Maritime Security in Nigeria: The Role of Private Partnerships in Safeguarding Oil and Shipping Infrastructure.”
The presentation will examine the importance of public-private collaboration in securing Nigeria’s maritime domain, protecting critical oil and shipping assets, combating maritime threats, and supporting safe and sustainable economic activities within the nation’s coastal and offshore environment.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Chairman of the Planning Committee, Paul Ogbuokiri, described the event as a timely intervention aimed at fostering collaboration among stakeholders within the maritime and Special Economic Zones ecosystem.
He stated that the conference would provide an inter-ministerial and multi-sectoral platform for government agencies, investors, operators, and private sector players to engage on practical solutions capable of unlocking the full economic value of Nigeria’s vast maritime resources and coastal assets.
According to him, the conference will also explore critical linkages between Special Economic Zones and the maritime sector, particularly in the areas of seamless cargo handling, trans-shipment, trade connectivity, maritime security, and access to international shipping routes, which remain vital to positioning Nigeria as a leading investment destination in Africa’s blue economy space.
