Lagos, Nigeria | August 2026
The Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria, MARAN, has announced former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, as the keynote speaker for its 2026 Maritime Annual Maritime Lecture, MAMAL.
The flagship industry forum will hold on *Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.* at the Nigerian Air Force Event Centre, 1 Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. MARAN noted this is a change from the earlier announced venue.
*Port Modernisation and Competitiveness in Focus*
With the theme _“Nigerian Ports Modernisation, Charges and the Competitiveness Question,”_ MAMAL 2026 will convene government officials, regulators, academics, shipping magnates, freight forwarders, and journalists to discuss reforms needed to reposition Nigeria’s ports.
MARAN President, Mr. Yinka Onigbinde, said the lecture provides a timely platform to examine how modern port infrastructure can improve cargo handling, reduce delays and costs, attract investment, and strengthen Nigeria’s standing as a maritime hub.
“MAMAL will also create room for constructive engagement on port charges and other factors affecting competitiveness,” Onigbinde stated.
*Distinguished Leaders to Grace the Event*
The Executive Director, Technical, of TANTITA Security Services Limited, *Captain Waredi Enusua*, will chair the event. MARAN applauded his wealth of experience in maritime security and industry development.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, *Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola*, will attend as Special Guest of Honour — a move Onigbinde said underscores Federal Government’s commitment to efficiency and competitiveness in the blue economy.
Describing the keynote speaker, Onigbinde hailed Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman as “an experienced voice in the maritime sector whose wealth of knowledge and track record at the NPA will add significant value to the discussions.”
*Fourth Edition of a Credible Platform*
This year’s lecture is the fourth edition of MAMAL, reinforcing MARAN’s commitment to providing a credible space for informed debate on critical maritime issues.
MARAN invited government officials, maritime regulators, operators, academics, shipping companies, freight forwarders, port users, industry associations, and the media to participate in the landmark event.
