Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olotu, a renowned maritime analyst and former senior executive at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), recently participated as a panelist at the “Maritime Security 2024: Innovations and Partnerships for the Future” conference held in Cidade da Praia, Cabo Verde.
Sponsored by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and funded by the German government, the conference aimed to address key issues surrounding maritime security and the blue economy.
Olotu, a retired Assistant General Manager of Tariff and Billing at NPA and former Port Manager of Apapa and Calabar Ports, was invited by IMO to share her expertise alongside other distinguished maritime professionals from Africa, Europe, the UK, and the USA.
The event, organized in collaboration with UNITAR and the Atlantic Centre, brought together international experts to discuss innovations and partnerships necessary to safeguard the oceans, combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and promote sustainable maritime practices.
In her contributions, Olotu emphasized the need for stronger international collaboration to protect the oceans and enhance security in global maritime domains.
She highlighted the importance of integrating technology and innovative approaches to address emerging challenges in maritime security and the blue economy.
The conference, hosted by the Government of Cabo Verde, focused on future-oriented strategies to secure the maritime environment, with a particular emphasis on partnerships that can help sustain global shipping activities while preserving marine resources.
