The Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) has announced Chairman of Ibeto Group, Cletus Ibeto, and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, as recipients of its 2026 Lifetime Achievement Awards in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s maritime sector, industrial growth and logistics infrastructure.
According to MARCON, the awards acknowledge the duo’s long-standing investments in port development, maritime logistics and industrial manufacturing, which the organisation said have strengthened Nigeria’s trade capacity, boosted indigenous participation in the Blue Economy and reduced dependence on imports.
The honours are expected to be presented during the 2026 MARCON Annual Conference and Special Economic Zones Mid-Year Conference scheduled for June 10, 2026, at Hotel Presidential.
In a statement issued by the conference planning committee, MARCON said the awardees were selected after a detailed review of their impact on the maritime industry and the broader Nigerian economy.
The organisation explained that Chief Ibeto was chosen for his strategic investments in maritime trade and logistics, particularly through the development of the Ibeto Seaport and Terminal in Rivers State, which MARCON described as an emerging hub for cargo movement, industrial supply chains and commercial activities.
MARCON further noted that Ibeto’s involvement in local manufacturing and raw material processing has contributed significantly to reducing Nigeria’s import reliance while supporting employment generation and industrial competitiveness.
Rabiu, on the other hand, is being recognised for investments executed through BUA Group across critical sectors including port logistics, cement production, sugar refining and industrial infrastructure.
According to the organisation, these investments have continued to support Nigeria’s industrialisation efforts and align with the Federal Government’s Blue Economy agenda by improving trade connectivity, strengthening infrastructure and increasing local production capacity.
Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Paul Ogbuokiri, said the recognition highlights the growing role of indigenous private sector investors in transforming Nigeria’s maritime and logistics landscape.
“Chief Ibeto and Alhaji Rabiu represent the very best of indigenous enterprise. Their investments have not only transformed key sectors but have also strengthened Nigeria’s position in global trade and logistics,” Ogbuokiri stated.
“Their commitment to infrastructure development, job creation, and industrial growth makes them worthy recipients of this honour,” he added.
MARCON President, Ismail Aniemu, said the awards were established to celebrate business leaders whose investments continue to shape the future of Nigeria’s maritime sector and national economy.
“These honours reflect MARCON’s commitment to celebrating individuals whose contributions continue to shape the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry and economic landscape,” Aniemu said.
“Both awardees have demonstrated visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to national growth through strategic investments,” he added.
MARCON also disclosed that the upcoming conference will convene major stakeholders from the maritime, logistics, industrial and Special Economic Zones sectors to explore investment opportunities, policy reforms and infrastructure development strategies aimed at improving Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and international trade.