PLATFORMS COMMUNICATIONS TAKES M- CAMP TO PORT HARCOURT

Platforms Communications takes M-CAMP To Port Harcourt

By Babatunde Aremu

After a decade of nurturing young talents and building future maritime leaders in Lagos, Platforms Communications is taking its flagship Maritime Career Mentorship Programme (M-CAMP) to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in a major expansion of its maritime career development initiative.

The two-day programme, scheduled for November 19 and 20, 2026, at the Amphitheatre Hall of Rivers State University, will bring together leading industry stakeholders, regulators, maritime professionals, academics and students to explore career opportunities and address challenges confronting Nigeria’s maritime sector.

For 10 years, Platforms Communications has successfully organised 15 editions of M-CAMP in Lagos, providing mentorship and career guidance to young Nigerians seeking opportunities in the maritime industry.

The expansion to Port Harcourt is aimed at extending the programme’s impact to students and young professionals in the Southern and Eastern regions of the country.

The first day, Thursday, November 19, will focus on cadets, officers and young seafarers, with prominent industry figures expected to share their knowledge and professional experiences.

Among the speakers is the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dayo Mobereola, who will speak on maritime career pathways, professional requirements, certifications and opportunities for seafaring students in Nigeria.

The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, will address the practical application of security and safety procedures in Nigerian seaports and terminals.

Also speaking will be the Chairman of Starzs Investments Company Limited, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, who will examine shipowners’ preference for foreign seafarers and cadets over their Nigerian counterparts.

The Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, will speak on Nigeria’s territorial waters and onboard security and safety challenges, while maritime expert, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, will discuss emerging developments shaping seafaring careers in the 21st-century maritime industry.

The second day, Friday, November 20, will focus on maritime commercial and arts students, with discussions centred on career opportunities, port operations, freight forwarding, logistics and maritime law.
Speakers include Dr Ofurumazi Righteousness, a lecturer at the Nigerian Maritime University, who will discuss career pathways and prospects for maritime commercial students in Nigeria.
Dr Abubakar Dantsoho will also deliver a presentation on port and terminal management systems and operations in Nigeria.

Other speakers are the National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Sir Emenike Nwokeoji, who will provide insights into becoming a successful freight forwarder and customs agent; President of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria, Dr Boboye Oyeyemi, who will discuss running a successful transport and logistics company; and

President of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA), Chief Mike Igbokwe, SAN, who will examine maritime laws, policies, regulations and their practical applications in Nigeria.
Special Guests of Honour expected at the programme include the Vice-Chancellor of Rivers State University, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi; Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Dr Kelvin Okonna; Director of Elkins Marine Training International, Mr Hufy Nwaneri; and the chief executives of Charkin Maritime Academy, Tolmann Allied Services Limited and Matral Maritime Training Centre.

Several maritime institutions and higher education establishments have also been invited to participate, including the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron; Rivers State University; Nigerian Maritime University; Federal University of Technology, Owerri; Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun; Delta State Maritime Polytechnics; and Akwa Ibom State University.

Others include Joe Marine Institute, Wonders International Maritime Academy, Flight Marine Safety Academy, Globa Maritime Academy, Southern Maritime Academy, Seatrade Maritime Academy, College of Maritime Studies, Abia State Polytechnic, and the Institute of Maritime Studies, Niger Delta University.

The expansion of M-CAMP represents a significant milestone for Platforms Communications, which has sustained the initiative for a decade despite the challenges associated with organising industry-focused mentorship programmes.
With 15 successful editions and thousands of young people reached, the programme has continued to provide a platform for experienced maritime professionals to share industry knowledge, inspire career development and prepare the next generation for leadership positions.

The Port Harcourt edition is expected to further strengthen maritime career awareness and encourage greater participation of young Nigerians in the country’s maritime and blue economy sectors.

The organisers have called on maritime agencies, organisations and private sector operators to support the initiative through sponsorship and strategic partnerships to ensure its sustainability and wider national impact.
As M-CAMP makes its debut in Port Harcourt, the programme reinforces the importance of mentorship, professional development and deliberate succession planning in building a globally competitive Nigerian maritime industry.