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Marine engineering professional and business leader, Engr. Sylvanus Eferebo, has called for an appropriate policy framework to support the effective development and operation of Nigeria’s blue economy.
Eferebo made the call after being honoured as the 2026 Megastar Man of the Decade in Blue Economy Development Champion by Mage Start Magazine.
He stressed the need to create an enabling environment for maritime businesses and related industries to thrive, noting that Nigeria’s blue economy holds vast opportunities that could drive economic growth if properly developed and managed.
According to him, the blue economy encompasses economic activities associated with oceans, seas, inland waterways and other aquatic resources.
“In Nigeria, the sector offers opportunities in shipping, fisheries, marine transport, shipbuilding, coastal tourism and other maritime-related industries,” he said.
The Executive Producer of the Megastar Man of the Decade Awards, Dr. Adeniyi Ifetayo, said the selection process focused on sustained impact over a 10-year period rather than achievements recorded in a single year.
Ifetayo explained that the organisers assessed nominees’ contributions to their communities and the wider society, including the impact of their work in both the public and private sectors.
He said the awards were designed to recognise individuals whose activities had generated positive social impact over the years.
According to him, only a limited number of deserving personalities could be reached and celebrated during the event.
Eferebo, also known as Engr. Dr. Eferebo Ibietela Sylvanus, FNSE, is a marine engineering expert with more than two decades of experience in technical consultancy, engineering management and leadership in Nigeria and the international maritime sector.
He obtained his Bachelor of Technology degree in Marine Engineering, Master of Technology degree in Naval Architecture and Ship Construction, and doctorate in Naval Architecture and Shipbuilding from Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
He is a registered engineer with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and a Fellow 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 the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Somatrix Marine Limited, Eferebo leads a multidisciplinary marine engineering company specialising in marine consultancy, ship design, marine surveys, 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 activities across marine technology, manufacturing, distribution, outsourcing and consultancy, positioning itself as an integrated provider of marine solutions in Nigeria.
A professional design engineer, speaker and engineering soft-skills educator, Eferebo has built his career around technical innovation, business development and the execution of engineering projects. His experience spans multicultural and highly technical environments, with a focus on translating ideas into practical solutions.
He currently serves as the National Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA).
He also chairs COREN’s Sector Committee on Engineering Regulation, Monitoring and Enforcement for the maritime sector and serves as Board Chairman of the Centre 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 was particularly relevant as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
Daniel emphasised the need for leaders to place citizens at the centre of their decisions, urging public officeholders and other stakeholders to prioritise the interests and welfare 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 highlighted the importance of citizens’ participation, stakeholder responsibility and the future of democratic governance as the country prepares for another electoral cycle.
Other distinguished personalities recognised 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 recognised at the ceremony.
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