The International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION) successfully concluded its two-day Executive Course on Sustainability for the Blue Economy, held from May 22 to 23, 2025. Rear Admiral Thaddeus Udofia (Retired), Director General of IMION, delivered the closing remarks, emphasizing the significance of inter-agency collaboration and sustainable development for Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Addressing participants, Rear Admiral Udofia expressed profound appreciation for the collective engagement over the course. “We started with shared expectations and a collective vision; today, we part enriched with insight, equipped with strategies, and united in purpose,” he said. The discussions covered key issues such as climate change resilience, marine resource governance, innovative financing, and stakeholder inclusivity.

Udofia highlighted the diverse and cross-sectorial nature of the participants, which included representatives from the Nigerian Army, Navy, Air Force, Customs Service, private companies such as Al Range Limited, and other public sector stakeholders. “Your presence reaffirms the necessity of inter-agency collaboration in unlocking the full potential of our maritime domain,” he stated.

The Director General charged attendees to act as ambassadors of sustainability in their various institutions and communities, urging them to turn the lessons from the course into institutional reforms, innovative policies, and practical actions to ensure a resilient and thriving blue economy for future generations.

Gratitude was extended to the Akwa Ibom State government, led by Governor Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, for supporting maritime education and research. Udofia also acknowledged the steadfast support of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa OFR, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, whose leadership has been instrumental in positioning IMION as a center of excellence.

The course benefited from the expertise of consultant Paul Usoro & Co, numerous facilitators, coordinators, partner organizations, and the media, whose role in amplifying the event’s message was appreciated.

Earlier, Mrs. Mfon Ekong Usoro, IMION consultant and managing partner, underscored the course’s focus on embedding sustainability principles into blue economy development. She explained that sustainability not only involves environmental stewardship but also social inclusivity, particularly the meaningful participation of host communities as stakeholders rather than mere beneficiaries.

Mrs. Usoro emphasized the critical need for a “whole-of-government” approach, highlighting that the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy must collaborate with other key ministries such as Environment, Tourism, Oil and Gas, Agriculture, and Biotechnology to effectively govern and develop Nigeria’s blue economy.

“This course has reiterated that sustainability for the blue economy requires collaboration at all levels, especially ministerial,” she concluded.

Rear Admiral Udofia officially closed the event, wishing all participants safe travels and urging them to continue their commitment to the sustainable development of Nigeria’s oceans and maritime resources.