BUA Chairman, Ibeto to receive MARCON Lifetime Achievement Awards for maritime, industrial development
By Maureen Aguta
The Maritime Correspondents’ Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON) has named 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 outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s maritime industry and economic development.
MARCON, in a statement issued by its Conference Planning Committee, said the awards are in acknowledgement of the duo’s transformative investments in maritime trade, industrialisation, logistics, and infrastructure development, which have significantly strengthened Nigeria’s economic and trade ecosystem.
Ibeto will be honoured for his pioneering role in the maritime sector, particularly through the development of the Ibeto Seaport and Terminal in Rivers State, regarded as an emerging strategic hub for trade and logistics operations in the country.
The organisation also noted that his investments in local manufacturing and raw material processing have helped reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imports, while boosting industrial productivity, employment generation, and competitiveness in international markets.
Rabiu, on the other hand, is being recognised for his sustained investments through BUA Group in critical sectors including port logistics, cement manufacturing, sugar refining, and infrastructure development.
According to MARCON, his business initiatives have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s industrial expansion and the advancement of the country’s Blue Economy agenda.
Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Paul Ogbuokiri, said the selection process was based on the awardees’ enduring impact on maritime growth and national economic transformation.
“Chief Ibeto and Alhaji Rabiu epitomise the strength of indigenous enterprise.
Their investments have transformed strategic sectors of the economy while enhancing Nigeria’s position in regional and global trade. Their commitment to infrastructure development, industrial growth, and job creation makes them deserving of this recognition,” Ogbuokiri said.
MARCON President, Ismail Aniemu, described the awards as a celebration of excellence, resilience, and private sector leadership in national development.
“These honours reflect MARCON’s commitment to recognising individuals whose contributions continue to shape the future of Nigeria’s maritime industry and economic landscape. Both awardees have demonstrated visionary leadership and an unwavering commitment to national growth through strategic investments,” Aniemu stated.
The awards are scheduled to be presented during the 2026 MARCON Annual Conference and Special Economic Zones Mid-Year Conference slated for June 10, 2026, at Hotel Presidential.