By David Oladimeji
Maritime Media Ltd, publishers of Shipping World Magazine and organizers of the prestigious Maritime Industry Merit Awards (MIMA), have officially opened nominations for the 2026 edition of the awards.
The annual awards celebrate excellence across Nigeria’s maritime sector, recognizing outstanding contributions by individuals, companies, and agencies in promoting maritime development and safety.
In the coveted Lifetime Maritime Achievement Award category, nominees include Prince Olayiwola Shittu JP, Chairman of Skelas Group; Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Chairman of Sifax Group; and Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
The Maritime Man of the Year category features Dr. Adewale Adeniyi MFR (CGC, NCS), Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, and Dr. Adewale Adeyanju, BOT Chairman MWUN and Vice President of NLC.
Highlighting leadership in maritime operations, the Most Impactful Maritime CEO nominees include Dr. Dayo Mobereola (DG, NIMASA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho (MD, NPA), and Dr. Kelvin Okonna, Acting Rector of MAN, Oron.
The Master Mariner of the Year category recognizes Captain Adebayo Omotosho, Captain Sunday Umoren, Captain Taiwo Alao, and Captain Taiwo Akinpelumi for exemplary service at sea.
In the legal domain, the Maritime Attorney of the Year nominees are Mr. George Anthony Ikoli, SAN; Dr. Emeka Akabogu, SAN; Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, SAN; and Jean Chiazo Anishere, SAN.
Engineering excellence is celebrated with the Marine Engineer of the Year nominees: Engr. Reuben Nanakeme, Engr. Emmanuel Ilori, and Engr. Sylvanus Eferebo.
Customs and logistics also feature prominently. The Customs Broker of the Year nominees include Sir Emenike Nwokeoji, Alhaji Dayo Azeez, and Alhaji Taiwo Mustapha, while the Freight Forwarder of the Year shortlist names Chief Tochukwu Ezesi, Princess Chi Ezeh, and Alhaji Ibrahim Tanko.
Media engagement in maritime is recognized through Most Maritime Media-Friendly CEO, featuring Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, Dr. Adewale Adeniyi, and Mr. Bola Oyebamiji; and Best Maritime Reporter of the Year nominees Godfrey Bivbere, Oluwakemi Dauda, and Shulammite Olowofoyeku.
Other key categories include Most Influential Niger Delta Personality, Most Outstanding Company in Corporate Social Responsibility, and Most Outstanding Customs Area Controller in anti-smuggling and revenue generation.
Governance and corporate leadership are celebrated in Most Maritime-Friendly Governor, Best Company in Corporate Governance, Oil & Gas, and Most Efficient Port Administration, with nominees spanning states, ports, and corporate entities.
The awards also spotlight women in maritime with the Maritime Woman of the Year nominees Dr. Faith Zibs Godwin, Hajia Bola Muse, and Mrs. Mfon Usoro.
Special categories recognize excellence in banking, terminal operations, agency performance, and ship ownership, while NIMASA and MAN, Oron, will nominate the Best Graduating Cadets (Foreign and Local).
Voting for the 2026 MIMA opens immediately and will close on December 31, 2025. Winners will be announced on January 1, 2026, with the grand investiture ceremony scheduled for March 30, 2026, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Maritime enthusiasts and stakeholders are encouraged to cast their votes via the official link.
The 2026 MIMA promises to be a landmark celebration of leadership, innovation, and dedication in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
