NIMENA advocates indigenous classification body, local standards to drive maritime technical sovereignty
The National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA), Eferebo I. Sylvanus, has urged Nigeria to transition from a passive participant in the maritime sector
The National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA), Eferebo I. Sylvanus, has urged Nigeria to transition from a passive participant in the maritime sector to a globally competitive force by pursuing technical sovereignty.
Sylvanus made the call during his address at the Plug and Play x NIMENA Innovation Night, held as part of Singapore Maritime Week, before an audience of international maritime leaders, policymakers and investors.
He said Nigeria’s blue economy can only reach its full potential through a deliberate commitment to local innovation and capacity development.
“Technical sovereignty is the foundation of economic sovereignty. We cannot continue to build critical sectors on imported expertise alone,” he stated.
Sylvanus emphasised the need for self-reliance in maritime regulation and oversight, advocating the development of indigenous standards and vessel classification systems.
He also proposed adopting the Triple Helix model, which promotes collaboration among government, industry and academia, as a framework for strengthening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
The event attracted high-level participation, including Boma Goodhead, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring.
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Goodhead reaffirmed legislative support for policies that prioritise local content and capacity building, noting that structured policy frameworks are essential to positioning the maritime sector as a key driver of economic growth.
Sylvanus drew comparisons with Singapore, highlighting its consistent policy direction and integration of academic research into industry as factors behind its maritime success.
Other speakers at the session underscored the importance of collaboration and innovation. Session moderator, John Ang, stressed that effective innovation ecosystems require sustained cooperation among institutions, startups and governments, while maritime expert Hemant Naik noted that strong partnerships and clear regulatory frameworks are critical to advancing global shipping solutions.
The event was also attended by Francisca K. Omayuli, Head of Mission at the Nigerian High Commission to Singapore, and Seng-Chuan Tan, President of the World Federation of Engineering Organisations.
Participants also highlighted the need to establish maritime technology innovation hubs and deepen Nigeria-Singapore research collaborations as part of efforts to bridge gaps in technical infrastructure and drive sectoral growth.
Supporting this view, Dr Augustine Ada Elakpa reinforced the importance of indigenous research, stating, "For Nigeria to truly compete, we must invest in applied research that directly solves industry problems. Innovation must be practical, scalable, and locally relevant."
A particularly vibrant highlight occurred toward the end of the event, as the focus shifted to the frontline of digital transformation.
A cohort of startup founders and tech entrepreneurs took the stage to pitch their innovative products and maritime solutions.
These pitches were delivered directly to a global audience of prospective investors, showcasing the high-level technical talent and entrepreneurial spirit ready to drive the next phase of Nigeria's maritime evolution.
Ultimately, Dr Sylvanus concluded that while Nigeria possesses immense untapped opportunities in maritime logistics and offshore energy, the path forward requires a shift from potential to structured execution.
"Nigeria does not lack potential; what is required now is structured execution," he reaffirmed. "With the right alignment of policy, people, and partnerships, we can transform our maritime sector into a major driver of national economic growth."
By aligning policy with the right talent and global partnerships, NIMENA believes Nigeria can transform its maritime sector into a primary engine for national economic growth and long-term stability.
