LAGOS, SEPT 11, 2026* — Nine years of reporting, and now it’s time for action.
The New Experience Newspaper (NEN), will mark its 9th anniversary on Thursday, September 24, 2026, with the 5th edition of its Annual Lecture and Awards at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, starting 11:00am prompt.
This year’s theme is: “Blue Economy in Action: Financing, Innovation and Policy for Nigeria’s Maritime Future.”
According to the organizers, the focus will be on practical steps to unlock investments, drive innovation, and align policies needed for Nigeria to tap the full economic potential of its oceans, ports, and maritime assets.
NNPCL Veteran to Chair Event
Former Group Managing Director of NNPC, now NNPCL, Chief Chamberlain Oyibo, will serve as Chairman of the occasion. He will also deliver the Career Talk on “Challenges and the Future of the NNPC.”
Publisher and CEO of The New Experience Newspaper, Prince Benson Davies, said the event is designed to move maritime conversations beyond potential to delivery.
“For nine solid years, The New Experience Newspaper has been committed to reporting the truth, amplifying industry voices and contributing to national development,” Davies said.
“As a nation, we must mobilize financing, embrace innovation and implement policies that will make Nigeria’s Blue Economy globally competitive.”
What to Expect:
The 2026 edition will feature a Keynote Address, Panel Discussion on the theme, Award Presentations, and a Photo Exhibition chronicling nine years of impact in maritime and trade reporting.
2026 Award Categories include:
Maritime CEO of the Year
Best Government Agency in Maritime Regulation
Outstanding Terminal Operator
Innovation in Maritime Technology Award
Maritime Security Partner Award
Blue Economy Champion Award
Media Partner of the Year
Lifetime Achievement Award
Big Backers for 2026
Lead partners and sponsors for this year are the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA; NIMASA; SIFAX Group; SAHCO PLC; and the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency, NPERA.
Media partners include Radio 103.5FM, Metro 97.7FM, Bond 92.9FM, and other key players in maritime, crime and aviation reporting.
Looking Back
Reflecting on the journey, Davies recalled that the 2nd Annual Lecture in 2020, held during COVID-19, hosted over 800 guests and set the agenda with the theme: _“Corona Virus in Nigeria and Conspiracy Theory: The Public Understanding.”_
He urged government officials, regulators, investors, media partners and the public to attend.
“From Presken Hotel in Ikeja to Rockview Hotel in Apapa, our mission remains unchanged: for our guests and stakeholders to Experience the Truth,” he added.
Industry leaders, regulators, and investors are expected to converge to chart the next phase for Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
