By Efe Onodjae 

The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), and Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited will present papers at the 2026 Mid-Year Conference of the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON). 

The conference is slated for June 10 in Port Harcourt, Rivers State at Hotel Presidential with the theme: “Special Economic Zones as Catalysts to Sustainable Blue Economy”.

The event will examine the role of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in driving Nigeria’s blue economy, enhancing maritime security and boosting industrial growth.

NPA is expected to present a paper titled: “Optimising Port Infrastructure to Unlock the Full Potential of Special Economic Zones in Nigeria.” The agency will focus on modern port infrastructure, efficient cargo movement, logistics systems and trade facilitation as key drivers of competitive free zones.

OGFZA, on its part, will deliver a paper on: “The Strategic Role of Free Zones in Supporting Nigeria’s Blue Economy and Energy Exports.” The presentation will highlight how oil and gas free zones can attract investment, support exports and deepen maritime-related economic activities.

Similarly, NEPZA will present a paper titled: “Unlocking Nigeria’s Blue Economy Through Strategic Development of Free Zones.” The agency is expected to emphasise the role of export processing zones in industrialisation, export promotion and coastal economic development.

Also speaking at the conference, Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, will deliver a paper on: “Strengthening Maritime Security in Nigeria: The Role of Private Partnerships in Safeguarding Oil and Shipping Infrastructure.”

The presentation will examine public-private collaboration in tackling maritime threats, protecting critical oil and shipping assets and ensuring safe economic activities within Nigeria’s coastal environment.

Chairman of the Planning Committee, Paul Ogbuokiri, described the conference as a timely platform for stakeholders to discuss practical solutions for maximising the nation’s maritime and coastal resources.

According to him, the gathering will also explore the relationship between Special Economic Zones and the maritime sector, particularly in cargo handling, trade connectivity, trans-shipment and maritime security, with a view to positioning Nigeria as a major investment hub in Africa’s blue economy.