HADIZA BALA USMAN.TO DELIVER KEYNOTE AT MARAN 2026 ANNUAL LECTURE
Hadiza Bala Usman to Deliver Keynote at MARAN 2026 Maritime Lecture
By Babatunde Aremu
Former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, has been announced as the keynote speaker for the 2026 edition of the Maritime Annual Maritime Lecture, MAMAL, organised by the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria.
The flagship event is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Nigerian Air Force Event Centre, 1 Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. MARAN also announced a change of venue from the earlier location.
The theme for this year’s lecture is _“Nigerian Ports Modernisation, Charges and the Competitiveness Question.”_
Announcing the details, MARAN President, Mr. Yinka Onigbinde, said the lecture would provide a critical platform to examine the urgent need for port modernisation and its impact on the nation’s economy.
“Efficient and modern port infrastructure is critical to improving cargo handling, reducing delays and costs, attracting investment and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a competitive maritime hub,” Onigbinde stated.
He added that the event would also provide stakeholders the opportunity to engage in constructive discussions on port charges and other factors affecting the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
The Executive Director, Technical, of TANTITA Security Services Limited, Captain Waredi Enisuoh, will serve as Chairman of MAMAL 2026. The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, will be the Special Guest of Honour.
Onigbinde described Hadiza Bala Usman as “an experienced voice in the maritime sector whose wealth of knowledge and experience would add significant value to the discussions.”
He also expressed appreciation to Captain Enisuoh for accepting to chair the event, noting his experience in maritime security and industry development as an added value.
According to the MARAN President, the presence of the Minister further underscores the importance of the theme and the Federal Government’s efforts to reposition Nigeria’s maritime sector for greater efficiency and competitiveness.
This year’s edition is the fourth in the series and MARAN said it remains committed to providing a credible platform for informed debate on critical maritime issues.
The Association therefore invited government officials, maritime regulators, operators, academics, freight forwarders, shipping companies, port users, industry associations, the media and other stakeholders to participate in the landmark event.
