Maritime industry leaders and stakeholders are set to convene at the Ikeja Airport Hotel, Lagos, on Friday, August 23, 2024, to discuss the progress and challenges faced by the marine and blue economy sector, following the establishment of a dedicated Ministry a year ago. The event is part of the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the League of Maritime Editors and Publishers (LOME).
The seminar, themed “Renewed Hope Agenda: The Place of Nigeria’s Maritime Industry,” will feature presentations from key maritime agencies and experts, focusing on the sector’s achievements, ongoing challenges, and the roadmap for future development. Among the critical topics to be addressed is the Nigeria Customs Service’s special paper on the “Challenges of Customs Revenue Generation/Anti-Smuggling Operations,” highlighting the difficulties faced in revenue generation and combating smuggling under Nigeria’s current economic conditions.
Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, will officially open the seminar at 11 a.m., setting the stage for an in-depth examination of the maritime sector’s role in the national economy. Discussions will cover a range of issues, including the exploration of the sea’s potential for economic growth, the renewal of port infrastructure, port economic regulation, and the effectiveness of customs operations.
The event will be chaired by Barr. Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary and CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC). Other distinguished guests expected to attend include Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy/Coordination, Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR, and Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubarkar Dantsoho.
Notable speakers include Dr. Ade Dosunmu, former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and Dr. Charles Okorefe, Senior Lecturer at the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko. Their presentations will provide insights into the ongoing developments and future prospects of the maritime industry.
Chief Timothy Okorocha, President of LOME, emphasized that the seminar represents the association’s commitment to contributing to the growth and development of the maritime sector. He noted that veteran maritime media practitioners, who have been covering the industry for nearly three decades, are actively involved in organizing the event. Okorocha also confirmed that top industry stakeholders have shown a strong interest in participating in the seminar.