
The Minister for Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola CON, has described maritime art as a viable alternative to project the enormous potentials available in Nigeria’s blue economy, thereby diminishing sea blindness in the country.
Oyetola made this observation while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2nd edition of African Maritime Art Exhibition (AMAE) themed: “The Convergence: Maritime meets ICT” on Friday, in Lagos.

The Minister, who was represented by a Technical Aide, Prof. Busayo Fakinlede, observed that as art connects with human emotions it could be a very effective tool in driving the agenda and ideals of the maritime industry.
His words: “Maritime Art Exhibition is another way to reach out to Nigerians about blue economy. It can be an effective way to build the consciousness of the maritime in the minds of Nigerians. With the creation of the new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, there is a greater need for this awareness to enable citizens grasp the importance of the sector.”

“For people to have that clarity and understanding about maritime and how to channel the necessary sectors, we have to explore all approaches. It could be via social media, traditional media or art. We have to explore all approaches and art can play a vital role.”
He, however, assured that the Ministry is willing to collaborate with industry stakeholders to infuse the required technologies and infrastructure to optimize the huge socio-economic gains accruable from the sector.
While delivering the conference lecture, UK Government Country Lead & Programme Adviser and Global Digital Access Programme in Nigeria, Mr. Idongesit Udoh, on “ICT Disruptions for the Sustainability of the Blue Economy”, observed a need for human capital development and infusion of technology in the nation’s maritime space.
The Guest Speaker, Udoh, identified three key areas in dire need of ICT deployment in maritime to include; real-time monitoring and surveillance, climate resilience and predictive analytics, and documentation, storage and cyber security.
“ICT is an enabler of development irrespective of the sector. For blue economy, there are lots of areas where ICT could drive growthgrowth from marine transportation to tourism. However, surveillance using artificial intelligence and internet of things; documentation and cloud computing; as well as decision making guided by big data and data analytics; not forgetting climate related technologies. These are areas in maritime can be enhanced with the deployment of ICT,” Udoh explained.
In his remarks as Chairperson of the event, a former Minister of Interior and Chairman, Integrated Oil and Gas, Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, noted that ICT and AI have already changed the operations of all facets of life.
Iheanacho, who was represented by the Principal Partner, Jean-Chiazor and Partners, Mrs. Jean-Chiazor Anishere (SAN), opined that a more proactive approach to ICT and innovations will be more beneficial to the nation as it seeks to maximize the gains inherent in blue economy.
On his part, the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko recounted some successes already recorded in the Authority’s activities as a result of ICT deployment.
Bello-Koko, who was represented by the Port Manager, Apapa Port, Mr. Charles Okaga, noted that ship manifests handling at ports have been enhanced with ICT; nonetheless, he identified ship/ port security to curb piracy and checkmate stowaway as possible areas to explore ICT deployment.
The Convener, Ezinne Azunna, explained that the objective of AMAE is to utilize photography, textile art, paint, sculpture and other motifs/ subjects to tell stories and support causes around the Blue Economy.
“This is a meeting point for the town and gown. AMAE 2023 comes with a new twist- the Conference – to facilitate quality exchange in the industry. Themed “The Convergence… Maritime Meets ICT”, this forum underscores the invaluable need for up-to-date technologies across the value chain. Our 2023 audience is largely drawn from the Blue Economy, Art and the ICT worlds. The conference will help participants/stakeholders find Information Communication Technology solutions,” she said.
The highpoint of the event was the art exhibition opening by the Blue Economy Minister’s representative accompanied by maritime bigwigs; including the President of Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, Mrs. Eunice Ezeoke; Vice President, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Ify Akerele; first Nigerian female Bonded Terminal Operator, Chief Executive, AML Bonded Terminal, Mrs. Affi Ibanga; Vice President, Women in Maritime (WIMA), Nigerian Chapter, Mrs. Gloria Kanabe; Commercial Manager, AP Moller Terminals, Temilade Ogunniyi.
Others were; Director General, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Mrs. Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike; President, Female Seafarers Association of Nigeria (FESAN), Koni Duniya; Assistant Director, Public Relations, NIMASA, Mr. Osagie Edwards; Engineering Manager, Radial Circle Technical Services, Engr. Ajibade Hamzat; among others.