APAPA, LAGOS — SEPT 24, 2026— The New Experience Newspaper marked its 9th anniversary with a loud call for urgent, coordinated action to unlock Nigeria’s vast blue economy as a pathway to a $1 trillion economy, massive job creation and food security.
The call was the central resolution at its 5th Annual Lecture and Awards Ceremony held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, with the theme: “Blue Economy in Action: Financing, Innovation and Policy for Nigeria’s Maritime Future.”
The colourful event drew regulators, operators, financiers, security agencies and media leaders including officials of NIMASA, NPA, SIFAX Group, NPERA, Nigeria Customs Service, Maritime Police Command and royal fathers.
From Discouragement To National Voice
Chairman of the occasion, former NNPC GMD Chief Chamberlain Oyibo, represented by Chief Ibitrokoemi Seddon, Alabo, declared the lecture open and narrated the humble beginnings of the paper.
He recalled how Prince Benson Davies came with the vision to start The New Experience and was initially discouraged because journalism is rough, but doggedness prevailed.
“From that small beginning, The New Experience has become a respected voice, reporting truth without fear or favour. Prince is indeed a covenant child. What God has ordained, no man can stop. The Chairman asked me to specially tell you, Prince, that he is very proud of you,” Seddon said.
He noted Nigeria’s 853km coastline will remain mere potential without action, and listed three action pillars: deliberate maritime financing including a Blue Economy Development Fund, innovation via smart ports and single window, and consistent, investor-friendly policy.
In his welcome address, Publisher/CEO Prince Benson Davies described September 24, 2026 as historic, exactly nine years after the paper’s maiden voyage on May 17, 2017.
“It marks exactly nine years of resilience, of truth-telling, of consistency, and of service to the maritime industry and to Nigeria,” Davies said.
He recalled the first three lectures at Presken Hotels, Ikeja, and how at the height of COVID-19 in 2020, when organisations were scaling down, The New Experience hosted over 800 guests.
Davies, with deep appreciation, thanked lead partners — NPA, NIMASA, SIFAX Group, and Widescope International Logistics — and their image managers: Mr. I.K. Oyemakara (NPA), Mr. Edward Osagie (NIMASA), and Mr. Muyiwa Akande (SIFAX).
He specially appreciated SAHCO PLC MD/CEO Mrs. Adenike Aboderin and GM Corporate Communications & Strategy Mrs. Vanessa Uansohia; NPERA and its Head of PR Madam Rebecca Adamu; Customs Area Comptrollers of Airport and PTML Commands; DPO Apapa Division CSP Kamal Momoh a.k.a Jagungakun; AIG Maritime Police Command Okunade Ronke Nurat; Princess Adenike Adegoke, FRCN; Mr. Abiola Peters, Radio 103.5FM; Mrs. Maria Ihuoma, Metro 97.7FM; Mr. Abdulwahab Akoshile, Bond 92.9FM; Chief Imam Alhaji Nurudeen Yahya; Pastor Dr. Bukky Bright; Pastor S.O. Akindubi, CASAMOL; Bro. Ayibo Roberts Josephus; Mr. Inuwa Ben Kurahson; Oniyide Segunmade; Chief I.B. Seddon; Madam Obinma Obianuju (Obi-Aku); Mr. Okaka Ferdinand; and Amb. Dr. Dorcas Daniel Masu Bature and her husband Dr. Jonathan Musa Bature, for years of unwavering support.
Keynote: Blue Economy Is Now, Not Tomorrow
Keynote Speaker, Amb. Dr. Dorcas Daniel Masu Bature, Chairperson, Anniversary Committee and CILT Lagos Chapter, said Nigeria, with its coastline, strategic Gulf of Guinea location and youthful population, has failed to translate natural advantage into prosperity.
She decried billions spent importing fish despite vast aquatic resources, making fish unaffordable for households, and urged investment in fisheries and aquaculture for jobs and food security.
“The blue economy is Nigeria’s frontier now, not tomorrow,” Bature declared.
On financing, she said Nigeria’s problem is not lack of money but management, calling for transparent, merit-based access to finance, a dedicated low-interest Blue Economy Development Fund, disbursement of CVFF after over 20 years, and a sovereign blue bond to finance port modernisation, cold-chain and fish terminals.
She demanded the proposed $1bn innovation fund reach real operators and youths 18-28 to develop tech solutions.
On policy, she called for a coordinated framework defining roles of NIMASA, NPA and NIWA to reduce duplication, attract investors and boost revenue.
On innovation, she urged digitisation, National Single Window, rail and intermodal transport to cut dwell time and cost; sustained maritime security via Deep Blue Project; and collective action against coastal erosion, oil spills and plastic pollution.
Panel: From Potential To Prosperity
Moderated by Prince Benson Davies, the panel interrogated why blue economy contributes less than 5% to GDP despite 853km coastline.
Davies commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under Adegboyega Oyetola, but said creation alone is not enough.
Resolutions:
Financing: High-interest, short-term bank lending is killing maritime. Finally disburse CVFF and create low-interest Blue Economy Development Fund. SIFAX Group cited as success story of resilience younger investors should emulate.
Innovation: Nigerian ports remain among world’s most expensive due to manual processes. Implement Single Window, digital clearance, port automation, and prepare for green shipping and decarbonisation or risk being left behind. Create tech-driven jobs in fishing, aquaculture, boat building and coastal tourism.
Policy: Multiplicity of agencies — NPA, NIMASA, Shippers’ Council, Customs, Navy, NIWA — with overlapping functions kills efficiency. Need one strong, stable, investor-friendly National Blue Economy Policy and implementation of communiques, not talk.
Summarising, Davies said: “On Financing — we need deliberate, low-interest funds and must finally disburse CVFF. On Innovation — we must embrace digitalization, single window and green shipping or be left behind.
On Policy — we need one strong, stable, investor-friendly National Blue Economy Policy. Nigeria’s blue economy cannot remain potential on paper. It must be in action.”
Colour, Culture, Awards
The ceremony was coloured by Tiv Lagos Dancing Group led by Sarah Doose, with Mrs. Unalagh Rita and Miss Nguemo Hungwa, showcasing Tiv heritage.
Dignitaries included Dr. Jonathan Bature Musa, NDC senatorial candidate for Plateau North; AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat; ACP Dr. Lion Oyin Frances Adegbite, who fondly calls Publisher “My Uncle”; ASP Adebayo Rasheed, PRO Maritime Police Command; NIMASA delegation; awardees including Mr Roberts Ayibo Josephus, Mr Inuwa Ben Kurahson, Oniyide Segunmade, and others from NPA, SAHCO, SIFAX and NPERA.
The event ended with awards to distinguished personalities and organisations for contributions to Nigeria’s maritime industry.
