AMANO FIXES NOVEMBER 12-14 FOR 2026 NATIONAL CONVENTION, SEEKS ACCELERATED GROWTH IN NIGERIA’S MARITIME SECTOR

AMANO fixes November 12-14 for 2026 National Convention, Seeks  accelerated Growth in Nigeria’s Maritime Sector

By Babatunde Aremu

The *Alumni of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron (AMANO)* has fixed November 12-14 for its 2026 National Convention and Stakeholders’ Engagement, with a call for accelerated reforms and Development in Nigeria’s maritime sector so as to ensure job creation.

At a Press briefing held in Lagos on Saturday, President of AMANO, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa disclosed that The convention will bring together maritime professionals, policymakers, regulators, shipowners, academics, cadets and other stakeholders for high-level deliberations on the future of the industry.

*Mr. Maiguwa*, said the gathering goes beyond a reunion of alumni, describing it as a platform for policy alignment, innovation and practical solutions.

According to him this year’s convention is deliberately focused on moving from talk to action — with emphasis on reforms that can be implemented in maritime education, shipping, port operations, safety and blue economy development.

The convention will also provide an opportunity to introduce newly graduated cadets of the *Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron* and their lecturers to maritime companies, institutions and stakeholders — expanding their exposure to professional and employment opportunities.

It will be recalled that Maiguwa had earlier, at the Academy’s Cadets Passing-Out Parade on October 29, 2026, urged graduands to embrace networking, professional development and mentorship as essential tools for building successful careers, and invited them to the Lagos convention.

As part of its commitment to excellence, AMANO also announced cash awards of *₦150,000 each for Best HND Graduating Cadet and Best ND Graduating Cadet*.

Stakeholders say the 2026 convention is coming at a critical time when Nigeria is pushing to unlock its blue economy, modernise its ports, strengthen its participation in the *African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)* and translate maritime policies into measurable results.

The three-day event is expected to feature keynote addresses, panel sessions, technical workshops, exhibitions and networking sessions, with recommendations to be presented to government and industry for implemenation