The Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) and the International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION) are deepening collaboration on maritime knowledge, stakeholder engagement and initiatives aimed at advancing Nigeria’s blue economy.
The organisations reached the understanding during a courtesy visit by MARCON to IMION on Wednesday, with discussions centred on promoting greater interaction between the Institute and maritime stakeholders, while creating opportunities for both organisations to contribute to industry development.
Director-General of IMION, Rear Admiral Thaddeus Udofia (Rtd), welcomed the engagement, describing IMION as a strategic think tank as well as a training and research institution established to contribute to the development of the blue economy.
He said the Institute values MARCON’s contribution to the maritime sector and expressed its readiness to work more closely with the organisation in promoting IMION’s programmes and connecting its activities with relevant industry stakeholders.
Udofia noted that stronger interaction between the two organisations would provide opportunities for greater dissemination of maritime knowledge and discussions around contemporary issues affecting the sector.
In his remarks, MARCON President, Ismail Aniemu, said the visit was aimed at establishing closer interaction with IMION and building a robust relationship with the Institute, which he described as an emerging centre of excellence in maritime training and human-capacity development.
Aniemu commended the Institute for the progress recorded within its first two years, noting that its growing alumni network cuts across the public and private sectors of the maritime industry.
“I want to commend you for the growth the institute has recorded within the two years of your existence. You are embossing your signature in the sand of time.
“You are indeed gifted and blessed with a very hardworking team. MARCON identifies this and it would not be out of place for us to mention it. Well done to you and the team, he said.
Aniemu also highlighted the relevance of IMION’s strategic and problem-solving courses to the wider maritime ecosystem, noting that knowledge acquired through such programmes could contribute to better decision-making and implementation across the sector.
As part of the collaboration, IMION has accepted MARCON’s invitation to participate in its upcoming conference on sustainable fishing in Nigeria, scheduled for September 30 in Apapa, Lagos.
The conference, with a focus on pathways to growth, food security and coastal livelihoods, will examine issues around illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, Nigeria’s participation in the fishing value chain and maritime security.
Aniemu said MARCON considers sustainable fishing an important component of Nigeria’s blue economy, stressing the need for the country to derive greater value from its extensive aquatic resources.
Udofia confirmed IMION’s participation in the conference, expressing the Institute’s willingness to contribute its expertise to the programme.
The engagement is expected to provide a platform for continued interaction between MARCON and IMION on maritime training, research, stakeholder engagement and other initiatives relevant to the development of Nigeria’s blue economy.
