AMSAY Conference Marks 10 Years of Maritime Discourse, Youth Mentorship, Sectoral Advocacy

AMSAY Conference Marks 10 Years of Maritime Discourse, Youth Mentorship, Sectoral Advocacy

The organisers of the Annual Maritime Students and Youth Conference (AMSAY), also known as “A Day With Nigerian Maritime Students,” have reflected on the conference’s decade-long contribution to maritime discourse, student mentorship, and youth development ahead of its 10th anniversary edition in 2026.

The conference, convened by Platforms Communications in collaboration with the Central Planning Committee of the AMSAY Conference brand, is commemorating its 10th anniversary with the theme: “A Decade of AMSAY Conference: Eyes on the Horizon.”

In a statement released by the Media and Publicity Sub-Committee of the conference, the organisers described the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on the impact the initiative has made on maritime students, cadets, and young marine professionals over the past decade.

According to the organisers, the conference has consistently provided a platform for maritime stakeholders, students, and young professionals to discuss critical issues affecting Nigeria’s maritime industry while also exploring emerging opportunities in the sector.

The statement noted that since its maiden edition in 2016, the AMSAY Conference has evolved into a significant intellectual and mentorship platform focused on capacity building, policy advocacy, and youth empowerment within Nigeria’s maritime space.

At the inaugural edition in 2016, discussions centred on maritime sector development, shipping regulations, and professional ethics. The lead paper titled “How Nations Develop Their Maritime Sector” was delivered by the late Hon. Dr. Chris Asoluka, former Chairman of the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority, Lekki.

Other presentations at the maiden edition included “Understanding the Importance and Usage of Laws and Policies in Shipping Development” by former Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Barr. Temisan Omatseye; “A New National Carrier in the Offing: Lessons From the Rise and Fall of NNSL” by the late Otunba Kunle Folarin, former Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council; and “The Place of Integrity in Making a Successful Maritime Career” by motivational speaker Muyiwa Afolabi.

In 2017, the conference shifted focus toward addressing challenges facing maritime students and competence development in the sector. Former Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, delivered a presentation titled “Solving the Challenges of Nigerian Maritime Students: The NIMASA Game Plan.”

That edition also featured discussions on competence and character development for maritime professionals, alongside entrepreneurial opportunities in the industry presented by renowned shipowner and former President of the Shipowners Association of Nigeria, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun.

By 2018, organisers streamlined the number of paper presentations to accommodate additional programmes, including the Best Graduating Maritime Students Awards (BEGMASA). Discussions that year focused on local content opportunities and repositioning maritime institutions for emerging global technologies.

The 2019 edition broadened conversations around maritime career opportunities beyond traditional seafaring roles. Presentations explored the need for competence development among youths and alternative career paths within the maritime profession.

Following a break in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing restrictions, the conference resumed in 2021 with renewed emphasis on the blue economy and the global competitiveness of Nigerian seafarers.

In 2022, discussions focused on job creation through cabotage and local content policies, while the 2023 edition expanded attention to environmental sustainability, greener shipping practices, cleaner oceans, and entrepreneurial opportunities for Nigerian youths in the maritime sector.

The organisers explained that in 2024, paper presentations were reduced to one following the integration of the Fola Ojutalayo Annual Maritime Speech-Making Competition into the AMSAY Conference brand.

The 2025 edition focused on the future of Nigerian maritime students and youths in the face of automation and digitalisation of maritime operations.

Ahead of the historic 2026 anniversary edition, the organisers disclosed that the lead presentation will focus on how nations develop their maritime sectors. The presentation, titled “The Youth and the Future of Nigerian Maritime Sector: Understanding How Nations Develop Their Maritime Sector,” will be delivered by Capt. Warredi Enisuoh, Executive Director, Operations and Technical, Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited.

The organisers maintained that over the last 10 years, the AMSAY Conference has expanded national discourse on contemporary maritime issues, contributed to policy conversations in the sector, and empowered maritime students and young professionals through mentorship, advocacy, and educational engagement.

They added that the next part of the anniversary series will focus on testimonials from beneficiaries of the conference and its impact on their professional careers.