The Maritime Correspondents' Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) has announced that it will honour several individuals and organisations for their outstanding contributions to Nigeria's maritime industry. The awards will be presented at the MARCON Conference on Sustainable Fishing in Nigeria, scheduled for September 30, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos. The conference will bring together policymakers, regulators, maritime security agencies, fishing industry operators, researchers, maritime training institutions, coastal communities, and other stakeholders.
Dr. Pius Akutah, Director-General of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), will receive the MARCON Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognises his contributions to Nigeria's maritime sector, particularly in port economic regulation and institutional development. Comrade Francis Bunu, President-General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), will be honoured with the MARCON Labour Leader of the Year Award for his leadership of maritime workers and commitment to their welfare.
Mrs Kenechi Okezie, Port Manager, Rivers Port Complex, will receive the MARCON Port Management & Operational Excellence Award. This award recognises her contribution to port management and operational excellence. The Kaduna Inland Dry Port (KIDP) will be presented with the MARCON Best Dry Port in Africa Award for its contribution to inland port operations, cargo logistics, and trade facilitation.
Other recipients of the MARCON awards include Hajia Bola Muse, who will receive the MARCON Maritime Woman of Impact Award, and High Chief Dr Michael Orobosa Ubogu, who will be honoured with the MARCON Maritime Entrepreneurship Excellence Award. Micura Services Limited will be awarded MARCON Most Safety Conscious Dock Labour Employer for its commitment to workplace safety and employee welfare.
The Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Abu Lucky, will also be honoured with the MARCON Economic Protection and Anti-Smuggling Excellence Award. This award recognises his role in economic protection and the fight against smuggling of petrol. The awards, according to MARCON, are designed to recognise individuals and organisations whose work is contributing to the development of Nigeria's maritime industry.
Chairman of the MARCON Conference Planning Committee, Paul Ogbuokiri, said the recipients reflect the breadth of contributions required to strengthen the sector. He noted that the recognition is particularly significant as maritime stakeholders converge to discuss sustainable fishing and the wider development of Nigeria's maritime economy.
The conference, with the theme "Sustainable Fishing in Nigeria: Pathways to Growth, Food Security and Coastal Livelihoods," aims to promote constructive engagement and recognise contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria's maritime sector. The event is part of MARCON's continued efforts to support the development of the maritime industry.
Key points
- MARCON to honour Dr. Pius Akutah, Comrade Francis Bunu, Mrs Kenechi Okezie, Kaduna Inland Dry Port, and four others for outstanding contributions to Nigeria's maritime industry.
- The awards will be presented at the MARCON Conference on Sustainable Fishing in Nigeria, scheduled for September 30, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.
- The conference aims to promote constructive engagement and recognise contributions to the growth and development of Nigeria's maritime sector.
