
An independent maritime analyst and former Assistant General Manager at Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Oufunmilayo Olotu, has outlined blue economy opportunities for West and Central African countries at a recent global maritime summit organized by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Olotu was speaking as one of the panelists at the conference themed: “Maritime Security 2024: Innovations and Partnerships for the Future” which held in Cidade da Praia, Cabo Verde.

Sponsored by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and funded by the German government, the conference aimed to address key issues surrounding maritime security and the blue economy.
The former Port Manager of Apapa and Calabar Ports, Olotu, was invited by IMO to share her expertise alongside other distinguished maritime professionals from Africa, Europe, the UK, and the USA.
The event, organized in collaboration with UNITAR and the Atlantic Centre, brought together international experts to discuss innovations and partnerships necessary to safeguard the oceans, combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and promote sustainable maritime practices.
In her contributions, Olotu emphasized the need for stronger international collaboration to protect the oceans and enhance security in global maritime domains.