At the 69th Annual Conference of the Historical Society of Nigeria in Yenagoa, Professor Samuel Aghalino, President of the Society, emphasized the need for the Federal Government to address the challenges of climate change, oil bunkering, and over-exploitation of maritime resources.

He highlighted that a thorough examination of these issues is crucial to developing sustainable solutions for protecting Nigeria’s maritime environment and securing the future for coming generations.

The conference, themed “Historical Perspectives on Water Bodies and the Maritime Domain Since the Pre-colonial Times,” focused on the historical importance of water bodies in shaping civilizations, trade, and cultural exchanges. Professor Aghalino noted that the discussions aim to uncover how indigenous communities have interacted with these resources and how those practices can guide sustainable management today.

Delivering the ‘Kenneth Dike Memorial Lecture,’ Amb Boladei Igali stressed the potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain to boost economic growth and create jobs if policymakers leverage historical insights to shape the future. He urged historians to advise leaders on how to transform Nigeria’s maritime sector into a key driver of national development and prosperity.