The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) has announced the confirmed participation of top government officials and industry stakeholders at its upcoming breakfast meeting focused on the Nigeria–Peoples Republic of China currency swap agreement.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, officials from the Federal Ministry of Finance, and the Chairman of the Customs Consultative Council, Aare Hakeem Olanrewaju, are among the high-profile personalities scheduled to attend the event.
The forum, titled “Navigating the Nigeria-Peoples Republic of China Currency Swap: Opportunities and Challenges for Import, Export and Maritime Business”, is set to take place on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at the Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos.
MARAN President, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, disclosed that the CBN Governor has pledged full representation at the forum, while the Ministry of Finance has also indicated interest in active participation. Aare Hakeem Olanrewaju, who will serve as Chairman of the meeting, has equally confirmed his attendance.
Also expected at the forum are representatives from the Chinese Embassy, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), as well as a wide range of importers, exporters, maritime operators, financial institutions, economists, and trade analysts.
Bivbere stated that the event is in line with MARAN’s objective of promoting dialogue on key policies affecting the maritime sector and broader trade environment. He explained that the currency swap between Nigeria and China is designed to ease trade transactions between the two countries by enabling the use of the Naira and the Yuan, thereby reducing reliance on the U.S. dollar.
He noted that with growing concerns over foreign exchange volatility, the forum will provide an essential platform for stakeholders to evaluate the potential of the currency swap agreement to stabilize trade, reduce transaction costs, and improve foreign exchange management.
“It has become imperative for Nigeria to adopt innovative strategies to safeguard its economic stability and reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar for international trade,” Bivbere said. “This currency swap agreement with China is a crucial step in that direction, and the MARAN forum will provide the needed insights to help stakeholders fully understand its implications and opportunities.”
The meeting will feature robust discussions on policy implementation, trade facilitation, and the impact of exchange rate fluctuations on the maritime and logistics industries.
