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Maritime Storytelling Essential for Blue Economy Growth – Naval Dockyard Chief
Lagos, August 14, 2025
The Admiral Superintendent of Naval Dockyard Limited, Rear Admiral Ibrahim Shehu, has called for increased investment in maritime storytelling to propel Nigeria’s blue economy narrative on the global stage, emphasizing the critical role of creative writing in attracting international investment and shaping maritime policy.
Speaking at the official opening of the 2025 Maritime Writes Project Creative Writing Bootcamp at Naval Dockyard Limited, Victoria Island, Lagos, Rear Admiral Shehu told 60 selected participants that well-crafted maritime narratives possess the power to drive innovation, influence decision-makers, and spotlight growth opportunities within Nigeria’s blue economy sector.
The naval chief described the facility as more than a maintenance and construction hub, positioning it as a nerve centre where “engineering precision, skilled craftsmanship, and strategic vision converge to safeguard maritime security and drive the nation’s shipping industry.”
“This is not just about ships and steel. It is about ideas, expression, and the power of words to shape perceptions, attract investment, and influence policy,” Shehu emphasized during the ceremony for the 5th Creative Writing Bootcamp.
The Admiral Superintendent expressed confidence that published maritime literature could enhance Nigeria’s competitive positioning among leading maritime nations globally, noting that the blue economy sector represents a strategic economic pillar interconnected with security, fisheries, oceanography, tourism, oil and gas, renewable energy, and port logistics.
“When creative writing reflects these sectors, it does more than inspire — it educates the public, promotes trade, and strengthens national identity,” Rear Admiral Shehu stated, highlighting the potential economic impact of maritime storytelling.
He challenged the creative writers present, declaring: “Your pen is as critical to the sector’s future as any vessel in our Navy fleet.”
The programme, themed “Blue Odyssey: Securing Nigeria’s EEZ, Ports and Blue Economy – Stories of Sea Guardians, Trade Routes and Coastal Adventures,” aligns with efforts by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy under Minister Adegboyega Oyetola to establish Nigeria as Africa’s leading maritime hub.
Maritime Writes Project Coordinator Ezinne Azunna revealed that maritime fiction currently represents only one percent of all African fiction, a gap the initiative seeks to address. Since inception, the programme has trained over 200 participants across Nigeria and published 17 maritime-themed short stories across three compendiums.
“At least three alumni have gone on to win national and international writing awards, achievements they attribute in part to this programme,” Azunna noted, highlighting the initiative’s impact on developing local maritime literary talent.
The Acting Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN) Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna, represented by Head of Library Musa Muhammad Auwal, emphasized that “the maritime industry is not only powered by ships and ports but also by ideas, knowledge, and the timeless power of written words.”
The opening ceremony featured prominent maritime industry leaders including former NPA General Manager Chief Christopher Botha, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping Director General Mrs. Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, and Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria President Mr. Godfrey Bivbere.
The bootcamp includes guided tours of key maritime facilities to provide participants with first-hand exposure to operational realities, sectoral challenges, and investment opportunities within Nigeria’s expanding blue economy sector.