The International Maritime Institute of Nigeria (IMION) has concluded its two-day Executive Course on Maritime Security and Global Trade, calling for stronger inter-agency collaboration and the adoption of a unified maritime security framework to address Nigeria’s growing security and trade challenges.

The training, held at the IMION Auditorium in Lagos from April 29 to 30, 2025, brought together high-level stakeholders from the Nigerian Navy, Nigeria Customs Service, private security companies, maritime agencies, oil marketing companies, and industry experts.

Rear Admiral TC Udofia (Rtd), Director General of IMION, who declared the course closed, emphasized the importance of the programme in preparing participants for strategic leadership in maritime security and trade facilitation.

He highlighted the need for integrated action across sectors to unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain and the Blue Economy.

“This course was timely and necessary. The strategic importance of maritime security, particularly within the Gulf of Guinea, is now gaining increased recognition globally. The threats we face, if not properly addressed, can disrupt economic stability and trade,” Udofia noted.

“The recommendations from this course, if well embraced, can significantly enhance our national capacity to secure the maritime environment and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global economic value chain.”

He further expressed gratitude to the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogalla, for his unwavering support, and appreciated stakeholders, facilitators, and media partners who contributed to the success of the course.

During the course, participants addressed gaps such as fragmented coordination, siloed operations, and the lack of unified training standards across maritime agencies. Discussions also spotlighted the need for real-time communication, joint asset deployment, and integrated policy direction.

Highlighting the outcomes, Mrs. Mfon Usoro, IMION Consultant and Managing Partner, praised the diverse representation from the military, regulatory agencies, and private sector.

She stressed the importance of developing a national integrated maritime security strategy under a single coordinating authority to eliminate duplication of resources and enhance operational effectiveness.

“It’s clear from our deliberations that Nigeria has the assets to combat maritime crimes like piracy and sea robbery. What we lack is a coordinated framework to optimize and deploy these assets,” Usoro said.

“The Nigerian Navy, although widely seen as the lead, cannot do it alone. It may be time for the Ministry of Defence to unify efforts under one strategic umbrella.”

Participants lauded the programme’s impact. AC Mohammed Mukhtar of the Nigeria Customs Service, PTML Command, described the training as “intense and resourceful,” aligning with the Customs’ policy thrust of consolidation, collaboration, and innovation.

“We have learned emerging trends in maritime threats, operational challenges, and their effects on global trade. Leveraging technology and collaboration with sister agencies will be key moving forward,” Mukhtar stated.

Navy Captain Andrew Zidon, Commanding Officer of NNS Kada, commended the course for exposing attendees to contemporary security innovations, including the use of artificial intelligence and robotics in maritime defense systems.

Private sector voices also echoed these sentiments. Mr. Victor Enebeli, Chairman of Emsee Shipping Line Limited, called the course an “eye-opener,” decrying the current state of maritime “blindness” in the country.

“Too many agencies are working in silos. Security requires synergy. We must go beyond mere oversight to real investment and understanding of critical maritime priorities,” he said.

In attendance at the closing ceremony was Dr. Obiora Madu, Director General of the African Centre for Supply Chain, among other dignitaries.

The IMION Executive Course on Maritime Security and Global Trade reaffirmed the urgent need for structural reforms, coordinated governance, and enhanced stakeholder synergy to safeguard Nigeria’s maritime assets and boost its trade competitiveness globally.