NIMENA moves to deepen innovation with two academic journals
By Progress Godfrey
ABUJA — The Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects, (NIMENA) has established two peer-reviewed academic journals aimed at strengthening research, innovation and policy development within Africa’s maritime sector.
The journals, African Journal of Offshore, Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture (AJOMENA) and Journal of the Blue Economy & Sustainable Energy Development are designed to provide scholarly platforms for indigenous research while promoting collaboration between academia, industry practitioners and policymakers in the marine and maritime sectors.
NIMENA said the initiative marks a significant step in its efforts to expand Africa’s maritime knowledge base and position the continent more prominently in global marine engineering research.
According to the institution, the African Journal of Offshore, Marine Engineering and Naval Architecture (AJOMENA) will focus on key areas including offshore engineering, marine engineering, naval architecture and maritime technology.
NIMENA added that the Journal of the Blue Economy & Sustainable Energy Development will examine emerging themes in the maritime domain such as blue economy policy, maritime innovation, sustainable energy systems and ocean economy development.
The institution noted that the journals are expected to strengthen indigenous research capacity while fostering knowledge exchange among researchers, engineers, policymakers and industry stakeholders across Africa and beyond.
National Chairman of NIMENA, Eferebo Sylvanus in a statement on Friday, described the initiative as part of the institution’s broader vision to support policy development, encourage innovation and contribute to Nigeria’s growing blue economy.
He said, “Something important just happened for marine and offshore engineering in Africa. For years, one question kept coming up in our conversations at NIMENA: Where are the credible platforms for African research in marine and offshore engineering, naval architecture, and the blue economy? Today, we’ve taken a step to answer that.”
Sylvanus noted that the journals would provide credible academic outlets for researchers and professionals working in marine engineering and related maritime fields, while also supporting sustainable development strategies within Africa’s maritime ecosystem.
He added, “We have formally requested the President of The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) to inaugurate the journals on 11 May 2026 at the NSE Headquarters, Abuja, during the 467th Council Meeting. Our goal is simple: to strengthen research, encourage innovation, and amplify Africa’s voice in global maritime scholarship.
“To researchers, engineers, and innovators across the continent: the platform is here. Now it’s time to build the knowledge that will power the blue economy,” he said.
