The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Lagos State Government, in collaboration with Ocean Ambassadors Foundation, convened the 4th Ehingbeti Blue Economy Hub event on 17 September 2926, Oriental Hotel, Lagos State. The motto was “Securing Nigeria’s Blue Economy – Connect | Collaborate | Grow”, recognising the need to strengthen regulatory and maritime frameworks for sustainable coastal development.

Mundus maris Nigeria was pleased to participate with three representatives, Prof. Stella Williams, Dr. Jesutomi Abiodun-Solanke, and Ms. Folakemi Afolayan. The event was rich with discussions, cultural performances, and high-level speeches, underscoring the political will and technical expertise driving this initiative.

​The event commenced with the National Anthem and the formal introduction of guests to the high table followed by the Chairman of NIWA’s opening remarks and a warm welcome of the other conveners. Goodwill messages were delivered by Rear Admiral A. A. Mustapha, Flag Officer Commanding Western Naval Command, and Mr. William Bwala, Alternate Representative of Nigeria to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The morning featured a cultural programme, including a spoken word performance titled „Prolifick Pen“ by Adebayo Abimbola, a jazz interlude by Jeremiah Sax, and formal addresses by the Father of the Day and the Royal Father of the Day.

Remarks by His Excellency, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, underscored the commitment of Lagos State to aquatic resource development. The Chairman, Sir Dele Browne then guided participants on an exhibition tour and officially launched the „28 Inland Waterways Investment Jigsaw“, followed by institutional remarks from NIWA. Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), and Capt. Warredi Enusuoh of Tantita Security Services Ltd. The keynote address by Mrs. Jean Chiazor-Anishere, SAN concluded the first part of the event.

Ribbon Cutting with Prof. Stella Williams second from left

The main proceedings featured two technical panels: Panel One addressed the „Role of Law and Legal Frameworks,“ featuring Dr. Alban Igwe, Ms. Funmi Folorunsho (Secretary-General, African Shipowners’ Association (ASA)), and Mr. Lawal Mohammed Alade Pedro, SAN (Attorney General, Lagos State). The panel was moderated by Mrs. Foluke Akinmoladun, Esq.

Panel Two focused on the „Role of Security in the Blue Economy,“ featuring Rear Admiral Tunji Beckley (Rtd.), Rear Admiral A. A. Mustapha, and AIG Okunade Ronke Nurat. It was moderated by Mr. Ayodeji Oyinloye.

During these sessions, Professor Stella Williams delivered a key intervention on behalf of Mundus maris asbl. While acknowledging the legal, security, and infrastructure frameworks presented, she urged the assembly to shift focus to the human element at the heart of the aquatic sector, asking delegates to start thinking directly of the human beings and fisher folk who perform most of the productive labour necessary for Ehingbeti to work effectively. By centering the discussion on Small-Scale Fisheries (SSF), Professor Williams highlighted that long-term success in the blue economy requires prioritising the rights, livelihoods, and socio-economic wellbeing of artisanal fishing communities alongside large-scale maritime investments.

The Mundus maris delegation Dr. Jesutomi Abiodun-Solanke, Folakemi Afoladun, and Prof. Stella Williams (from left to right)

​The event concluded with a cultural display by Gelede Dancers, the official reading of the Communiqué capturing key policy directions, and closing remarks by Mr. Lanre Bayewu. Through its delegation, Mundus maris Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to driving equity and sustainability across regional ocean governance initiatives.