By Constance Adaurie
The Port Manager, Rivers Port Complex of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mrs Kenechi Okezie, has received the Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) Port Management & Operational Excellence Award for her exemplary leadership, professional commitment and contribution to efficient port operations.
The award recognises Okezie’s role in the administration of Rivers Port Complex and her efforts towards improving operational efficiency, stakeholder engagement and service delivery within the Eastern maritime corridor.
The award was presented during the 2026 MARCON National Conference on Sustainable Fishing, held on Wednesday, September 30, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.
Okezie, who has over 24 years of service with the NPA, joined the Authority in 2001 has served in various capacities at Tin Can Island Port, Lagos Port Complex and the NPA Corporate Headquarters, Marina.
Her appointment as Port Manager of Rivers Port Complex in December 2023 made her the youngest Port Manager in the history of the NPA at the time, while she also became the only female Port Manager in her appointing administration. She was subsequently reappointed to the position in August 2024.
Her career has also included key responsibilities in several NPA committees and industry initiatives. She served as Secretary of the Voyage Meeting Reconciliation Committee for five consecutive years and participated in the NPA Handbook Committee, Towage Operations SOP Committee and AfCFTA Steering Committee.
Okezie holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from the University of Port Harcourt and an MBA from the University of Lagos, and is pursuing a PhD at the University of Port Harcourt. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and Diplomacy (ICAD) and a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), among other professional affiliations.
The award also acknowledges her commitment to stakeholder engagement and effective coordination of port operations, particularly in facilitating maritime trade and strengthening service delivery at Rivers Port Complex.
Chairman of the MARCON Conference Planning Committee, Paul Ogbuokiri, said Okezie’s recognition reflects her professional contribution to port management and the advancement of operational standards in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
He said the award provides an opportunity to recognise professionals whose work continues to contribute to the efficiency and development of the nation’s port system.
The conference, with the theme, “Sustainable Fishing in Nigeria: Pathways to Growth, Food Security and Coastal Livelihoods,” brought together policymakers, regulators, maritime industry operators, researchers and other stakeholders to examine pathways for the sustainable development of Nigeria’s fisheries sector.
