Eminent Nigerian personalities including the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Bayelsa State, Douye Diri; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; among others were honoured at the 2025 Maritime Industry Merit Award (MIMA).
The glamorous event which was held in Lagos, on Tuesday, spotlighted the nation’s emerging Blue Economy, recognising visionary leaders setting the pace for maritime transformation.
One of the leading honorees, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who received the Most Outstanding Governor in Maritime Infrastructure Development, emphasized that his administration “is poised to turn Lagos into a maritime haven and a key gateway for investment and logistics in West Africa.”
Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Mr. Ekundayo Alebiosu, said; “This award is a motivation. It shows we are on the right track, and we will not relent in pushing the boundaries of infrastructure to support maritime activities.”
Some of the topmost awards were; Maritime Man of the Year 2024 clinched by the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius; and the Maritime Woman of the Year 2024 accolade was bestowed on the Lagos Area Manager, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Engr. Sarat Braimah.
In his welcome remarks, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee for MIMA 2025, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, posited that MIMA is more than just recognition.
“It is about celebrating resilience, innovation, and the undeniable impact the distinguished maritime stakeholders have made, which takes the nation closer to actualizing the much-anticipated transformation of the Marine and Blue economy.
“As we mark the 27th edition of this prestigious annual maritime-sector awards tonight; it is about celebrating how far we’ve come as individuals, organisations, unions, and associations. As we celebrate and reward excellence, we are also looking ahead to stimulate more innovative, accountable, and patriotic leadership traits for a sustainable maritime sector,” Shittu said.
Other awardees were; Most Promising Maritime CEO 2024 – Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho; Most Innovative South-East (Ndi-Igbo) Entrepreneur – Chief Michael Onuoha; Most Outstanding Niger-Delta Personality of the Year 2024 – High Chief Government Ekpemupolo aka Tompolo.
Most Outstanding Customs Area Controller (Anti-Drug) – ACG Dera Nnadi mni; Most Outstanding Customs Area Controller (Revenue Generation) – Comptroller Babatunde Olomu; Most Outstanding Customs Area Controller (Anti-Smuggling) – Comptroller Mohammed Babandede; Best Customs Duty Collecting Bank – Zenith Bank; Most Outstanding Terminal Operator in 2024 – West African Container Terminal (WACT); Most Outstanding Port Manager (NPA) – Mr. Sylvester Egede; Most Outstanding Maritime Journalist – Mr. Tola Adenubi; Most Outstanding Tourism Journalist – Mr. Frank Meke; Innovative Leadership in Downstream Oil and Gas Sector – Victor Kalu; Prince Olayiwola Shittu Award for the Most Outstanding Customs Broker – Olusegun Oduntan.
