Marine expert insists on policy framework to support effective blue economy operations

Marine engineering professional and business leader, Eng. Sylvanus Eferebo, called for an adequate policy framework to support the effective development and operation of Nigeria’s blue economy.

Eferebo made the call after being awarded as Megastar Man of the Decade in Blue Economy Development Champion 2026 by Mage Start magazine.

He stressed the need to create an enabling environment for maritime businesses and related industries to thrive, stressing that Nigeria’s blue economy offers vast opportunities that could drive economic growth if properly developed and managed.

According to him, the blue economy includes economic activities related to oceans, seas, inland waterways and other aquatic resources.

“In Nigeria, the sector offers opportunities in shipping, fishing, shipping, shipbuilding, coastal tourism and other marine-related industries,” he said.

Executive Producer of the Megastar Man of the Decade Awards, Dr Adeniyi Ifetayo, said the selection process focused on lasting impact over a 10-year period rather than achievements recorded in a single year.

Ifetayo explained that the organizers assessed the candidates’ contributions to their communities and society at large, including the impact of their work in both the public and private sectors.

He said the awards were designed to recognize individuals whose activities have generated positive social impact over the years.

According to him, only a limited number of deserving personalities will be able to be reached and celebrated during the event.

Eferebo, also known as Eng. Dr. Eferebo Ibietela Sylvanus, FNSE, is a marine engineering expert with over two decades of experience in technical consultancy, engineering management and leadership in Nigeria and the international maritime sector.

He earned his Bachelor of Technology in Naval Engineering, Master of Technology in Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding and Doctorate in Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding from Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.

He is a registered engineer with the Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC). He is also affiliated with the Society of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (SMENA).

As managing director and managing director of Somatrix Marine Limited, Eferebo heads a multidisciplinary marine engineering firm specializing in marine consultancy, ship design, marine surveying, construction management, research and development and other maritime-related services. The company also has operations in South Africa.

Under his leadership, Somatrix Marine Limited has expanded its operations across marine technology, manufacturing, distribution, outsourcing and consultancy, positioning itself as an integrated marine solutions provider in Nigeria.

A professional design engineer, speaker and soft skills trainer in engineering, Eferebo has built his career around technical innovation, business development and engineering project execution. His experience spans multicultural and highly technical environments, with a focus on translating ideas into practical solutions.

He currently serves as the National President of the Nigerian Institute of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA).

He also chairs COREN’s sectoral committee on regulation, monitoring and enforcement of engineering standards for the maritime sector and is chair of the board of directors of the Center for Marine and Offshore Technology Development (CMOTD).

In a goodwill message, Senator Otunba Gbenga Daniel, who represents Ogun East Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly, said the theme of the 2026 awards is particularly relevant as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.

Daniel underlined the need for leaders to put citizens at the center of their decisions, urging public officials and other stakeholders to prioritize the interests and well-being of the people.

He noted that the awards were held under the theme “The Road to 2027: Citizens, Stakeholders and the Democracy We Choose”.

According to him, the theme underlined the importance of citizen participation, stakeholder accountability and the future of democratic governance as the country prepares for another election cycle.

Other distinguished personalities recognized at the event included Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada, who represents Nasarawa West Senatorial District in the 10th National Assembly.

Dr. Okunbor was also among the personalities honored at the ceremony.