The Nigeria International Maritime Summit (NIMS) 2021 is set to create a hub for Nigerian Maritime Services, which does not presently exist in the country, even as it would also highlight the country’s agenda for the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) with focus on the maritime component.
According to a press statement issued recently by the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria International Maritime Summit, Mr Emeka Akabogu, the maiden edition of the summit, which would hold from October 5 to 6, 2021 in Lagos was the only ‘whole-of-value-chain’ business event for international organisations, policy makers, regulators, development organisations, operators, service providers and consumers in the industry.
Akabogu said the country had coveted maritime hub status in the West and Central Africa sub-region for decades, not much had been done to harness the immense potential available and stimulate the required activity. He noted that additional concerns to be addressed in the summit include Maritime Domain Awareness and Protection; Blue economy and preservation of Marine environment and Security for commercial shipping and other maritime activities.
He also stated that other thematic issues that would come under focus include growing Nigeria’s Merchant Fleet with insights revolving around ship financing, ship repair, shipyards, seafarer training and development.
The CEO said the two-day hybrid-format event would feature a host of speakers, including Mrs Amani Abou-Zeid, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, African Union Commission.
“They include Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation; Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transport; Gov. Godwin Obasekie of Edo State.
“Also leading presentations at the event are Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General, Africa Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, and Mr Binyah Kesselly, Immediate Past Director General, Liberia Maritime Authority.
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“Vicky Haastrup, Chairman Seaports Terminals Operators Association of Nigeria; Mr Hassan Bello, Chairman, National Fleet Implementation Committee; Mr Temisan Omatseye, former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
“Mrs Funke Agbor, President, Nigerian Maritime Law Association; Commodore Daniel Atakpa of the Nigerian Navy; and Mr Adeniran Aderogba,
Consultant, Maritime Microfinance Bank.
“Others include Rear Adm. Francis Akpan (rtd.) and Mrs Nneka Obianyor, Registrar of Ships, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), among others,” Akabogu said.
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