As Nigeria doubles down on its commitment to diversifying the economy, the 2025 Maritime Industry Merit Award (MIMA) held in Lagos spotlighted the nation’s emerging Blue Economy, recognizing visionary leaders setting the pace for maritime transformation.
Held at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, the event brought together key players across government, private sector, and civil society — all unified by a growing belief: Nigeria’s maritime sector is no longer potential; it is progress in motion.
Leading the list of honorees was Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who received the Most Outstanding Governor in Maritime Infrastructure Development. Represented by his media aide, Gboyega Akosile, Sanwo-Olu emphasized that his administration “is poised to turn Lagos into a maritime haven and a key gateway for investment and logistics in West Africa.”
“This award is a motivation. It shows we are on the right track, and we will not relent in pushing the boundaries of infrastructure to support maritime activities,” Akosile quoted the Governor as saying.
Declaring the event open, chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Prince Olayiwola Shittu said the awards are a reward for hard work and more work
The event also acknowledged Federal Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, with the Blue Economy Pacesetter Award, for what industry stakeholders described as “a forward-thinking national blueprint” that aligns port modernization, coastal tourism, and local shipbuilding with Nigeria’s long-term economic vision.
“We are laying a solid foundation to unlock the untapped wealth beneath our waters,” Oyetola said, in a message read on his behalf.
Meanwhile, Engr. Sarath Braimah was celebrated as Maritime Woman of the Year, while Pastor Frank Meke took home the Outstanding Tourism Journalist award. Both urged for “greater storytelling and education around Nigeria’s maritime potential.”
“If we tell our stories well,” said Meke, “investors will come, and the next generation will be inspired.”
Other award recipients included:
- Dr. Pius Akutah – Maritime Man of the Year
- Governor Douye Diri (Bayelsa) – Best Maritime Governor
- Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho – Most Promising Maritime CEO
- Capt. Paul Mandela Ogoun – Master Mariner of the Year
- Sylvester Egede – Outstanding Port Manager
- Chidi Nnadi – Editor of the Year
As Nigeria’s maritime industry prepares for a tech-enabled, export-driven future, MIMA 2025 echoed one message loud and clear: the tide is rising — and Nigeria is finally sailing with it.
