By Samuel Olusegun Precious
An indigenous maritime logistics and support services company, I.CONNTACT-CONNECT LIMITED, NIGERIA, is partnering with key maritime stakeholders to mark the 2026 World Maritime Day in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
The event, scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, is part of the global observance declared by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and celebrated on the last Thursday of September every year.
This year’s theme is “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence” – a theme that will run for two years (2026 and 2027) for the first time in IMO history.
Focus On Implementation
I.CONNTACT-CONNECT LIMITED said the celebration in Port Harcourt is designed to move beyond policy statements to practical implementation of maritime safety, security, efficiency and environmental sustainability.The company noted that shipping moves over 80% of global trade and remains the backbone of Nigeria’s oil and gas-driven economy, especially in Rivers State which hosts the Port Harcourt Port, Onne Port Complex, and numerous private jetties and oil terminals.Port Harcourt ProgramThe Port Harcourt program organized in collaboration with maritime professionals, regulators and private operators will feature:Maritime sensitization and awareness walk in Port HarcourtStakeholders’ forum on translating IMO policies (SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, ISPS Code) into local practicePanel discussion on Blue Economy, port efficiency, seafarers’ welfare and Nigeria’s quest for re-election into IMO Category C CouncilExhibition of maritime services and networking session
Managing Director of I.CONNTACT-CONNECT LIMITED, Amb. Dr Larry Goodwill Akintoba Ajiola, said the company, which operates in marine logistics, offshore support and port-related services, is committed to promoting maritime excellence in line with IMO goals.”The theme ‘From Policy to Practice’ is a call to action for all of us in Port Harcourt, the maritime hub of Nigeria, to ensure that rules are not just on paper but are implemented on our vessels, at our ports and in our training institutions,” the company stated.
Dr Larry Ajiola was appointed as the Head of Policy and Diplomatic Affairs by the United World Congress of Diplomats (UN-WCD) on 8 September, 2025 to reflect his consistent amd rising profile in global affairs.
The event is expected to draw officials from NIMASA, NPA, Nigeria Customs Service, National Inland Waterways Authority, Nigerian Navy, merchant navy captains, freight forwarders, and cadets from maritime academies.World Maritime Day will be officially marked worldwide on September 24, with IMO headquarters in London and ports around the world to be lit in blue.
