Former lecturer at the Nigerian Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Delta State, Dr. Charles Okorefe, will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Primetime Reporters’ Annual Lecture and Awards scheduled for October 15 in Lagos.
Okorefe’s appointment is coming as prominent stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime, ports, logistics and blue economy sectors have been assembled to speak at the event.
Among the confirmed speakers are the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, and the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola.
Others include the Director General of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency, NPERA, Barr. Pius Akutah; Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Blue Economy and General Manager of the Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA, Mr. Oluwadamilola Emmanuel; Managing Director of Trucks Transit Park, TTP, Mr. Jama Onwubuariri; and National Coordinator of the National Single Window Secretariat, Mr. Tola Fakolade.
The 2026 edition of the annual lecture is themed, “Smarter Gateways, Greener Logistics: Leveraging the Port Community System and National Single Window for Zero Emission Trade.”
The organisers said the theme reflects the growing need for Nigeria to deepen digital transformation across its ports and logistics ecosystem through automation, data integration, seamless information sharing and technology driven trade processes.
Okorefe’s selection as keynote speaker is expected to bring an academic and professional perspective to the discussions, particularly on the future of Nigeria’s maritime gateways and the role of technology in improving efficiency.
His presentation is expected to examine the opportunities and challenges associated with developing smarter, interconnected and environmentally sustainable maritime gateways, while addressing ways to improve port efficiency and trade facilitation.
Okorefe is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Kamany Marine Services Limited and author of ABC of Shipping and Ports’ Operation in Nigeria. He also serves as the South South Coordinator of the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria.
The other speakers are expected to examine issues covering port administration, maritime regulation, inland waterways transportation, logistics, digital trade facilitation and the implementation of the National Single Window.
Speaking on the significance of the programme, the Managing Director and Editor in Chief of Primetime Reporters, Mr. Saint Augustine Nwadinamuo, said the lecture would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to assess reforms in the maritime sector and develop practical solutions to existing challenges.
Nwadinamuo said the discussions would focus on improving port efficiency, reducing cargo dwell time, strengthening trade facilitation and positioning Nigeria to compete more effectively as a regional maritime and logistics hub.
Particular attention will be given to the Port Community System, PCS, and National Single Window, NSW, which are expected to play important roles in reducing paperwork, improving transparency and connecting agencies and private sector operators within the maritime and trade ecosystem.
The programme will also feature the presentation of the Primetime Reporters’ 2026 Maritime and Blue Economy Awards to individuals and organisations recognised for outstanding contributions to the development of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
Nwadinamuo said the awards would be based on merit, professional track record and measurable contributions to the sector, stressing that the honours were not for sale.
The lecture and awards will hold on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at Rockview Hotels, GRA, Apapa, Lagos, from 10:00 a.m. The event will be chaired by former NIMASA Director General, Barr. Temisan Omatseye, and is expected to attract senior government officials, regulators, industry leaders, terminal operators, freight forwarders, shipping companies, logistics practitioners, academics and journalists.
Nwadinamuo urged government agencies, professional associations, corporate organisations, maritime operators and other stakeholders to partner with Primetime Reporters to ensure the success of the programme. He said partnership opportunities include advertisement placements in the event brochure and other materials, sponsorship of the full programme or specific segments, among other opportunities. Interested organisations and individuals may contact the organisers on 07030661526 or augustinenwadinamuo@structure