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As Nigeria joins the global maritime community to commemorate World Maritime Day 2026, Chief Executive Officer of Oceandeep Services Limited, Mrs. Rollens Macfoy, has urged young Nigerians to acquire relevant skills, embrace innovation and position themselves for the opportunities emerging across the maritime industry.
Macfoy, in her World Maritime Day message, said the maritime sector has a place for everyone, particularly young people willing to develop the skills and expertise needed to contribute meaningfully to its future.
According to her, opportunities abound across technology, logistics, leadership, enterprise and other professional fields, making the industry an important platform for youth development and economic participation.
“The maritime industry has a place for everyone. It is an industry of opportunities, innovations, technology, logistics and a whole lot of cooperative, leadership, and enterprise,” she said.
She therefore encouraged young people and aspiring maritime professionals to learn, build their skills, seek opportunities, embrace innovation and connect with others in the industry.
Macfoy said the ability of young professionals to bring fresh ideas, technical expertise and innovation into the sector would be critical to shaping a stronger maritime future for Nigeria and Africa.
She described the 2026 World Maritime Day theme: “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence,” as a timely reminder that policies can only deliver meaningful impact when effectively implemented.
She stressed that translating policies into tangible results requires consistency, collaboration, innovation and effective implementation across the maritime value chain.
While acknowledging that much remains to be accomplished, Macfoy said there were visible signs of progress and urged stakeholders to remain committed to advancing the sector.
She also commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and his team at the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for their efforts towards developing Nigeria’s maritime industry.
The Oceandeep CEO equally acknowledged the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola, as well as other stakeholders contributing to safety, regulation and sustainability within the industry.
Macfoy reaffirmed Oceandeep Services Limited’s commitment to supporting a maritime sector driven by professionalism, opportunity, innovation and excellence.
She called on stakeholders to use the World Maritime Day commemoration to reflect on the industry’s progress while renewing their commitment to converting policy ambitions into measurable outcomes.
Macfoy added that collective action could help build a safer, stronger, more innovative and prosperous maritime future for Nigeria and Africa.
