Maritime Security Takes Center Stage at CONMMEP Lagos Forum

Bu Lod Onyeji

Lagos, Nigeria — As Nigeria enters election season, the Congress of Maritime Media Practitioners will convene June 25-26 in Lagos for its 2026 Annual General Meeting, lecture, and awards. The two-day forum, themed _“Maritime Security, Trade Facilitation & The Media,”_ will examine how journalism can help curb the trafficking of small arms and narcotics through the country’s ports.  

On Day 1, June 25 at 10:00 a.m. in Presken Hotel, Ikeja, maritime stakeholder Fwrd. Eugene Nweke, PFF, will deliver the keynote: _“The Role of Media in Curbing Smuggling in Nigeria’s Maritime Corridor.”_ The session will focus on the media’s responsibility to spotlight border security gaps and support agencies like Customs in reducing illicit flows. An awards ceremony will follow, recognizing officers and individuals whose work has strengthened the maritime sector.  

Day 2 is an internal AGM and strategy session where members will review CONMMEP’s impact, honor outstanding contributions, and set priorities for the year ahead.  

“This gathering is about more than recognition,” said CONMMEP President Udo Onyeka. “It’s a forum to sharpen collaboration among maritime journalists and advance reporting that protects trade and security.”  

General Secretary Lod Onyeji said the meeting arrives at a critical moment, as election activity often intensifies smuggling risks at borders. Members are urged to attend both sessions punctually for documentation and deliberation.  

CONMMEP, a media advocacy group focused on maritime reporting, frames the event as both assessment and roadmap for a sector where accurate coverage directly affects national security and commerce.