By Kenneth Jukpor
Organizers of the Lagos International Maritime Week 2018, have revealed that the former Chairman, International Maritime Organization (IMO) Legal Committee, Dr. Kofi Mbiah would be delivering the opening public lecture at the event on May 15th, 2018.
While, Kofi Mbiah who was the former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Shippers’ Authority, would give the public lecture; other notable maritime bigwigs that would deliberate issues at the conference include; the Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside, the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Hassan Bello, Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, President, Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, President, Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA) Mr. Chidi Ilogu (SAN), President, Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Nigeria, among others.
The event which would take place at Oriental hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, comprises the 3rd International Maritime Business to Business conference and exhibition from May 15th to May 17th.
Speaking with journalists during a press briefing recently, the convener, Mrs. Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore, said reason we chose this theme; “Developing Maritime Infrastructure In Africa” is because the resource company, Zoe Maritime Resources Limited, noticed that maritime infrastructure is a challenge in Africa.
“Look at Lagos and the challenge we have in Apapa with the port access roads. If these challenges are addressed the nation’s economy would be taken to its zenith because efficient port systems play significant roles in developing a nation’s economy.
“The essence of the event is to provide an opportunity for Africa discuss the issues that have hindered the development of maritime, especially Nigeria that is a nation strategically positioned as a coastal state. The question should be – is Nigerian utilizing its God-given potentials to the best? How can the nation maximize the potentials in maritime? These are some of the questions that would be answered at the conference”, she said.
The event also comprises several roundtable discussions on Maritime Transportation, Maritime Security in the Gulf of Guinea, Maritime Law and Arbitration, Port Development, Marine Environment, Maritime Training and Education and Women in Maritime.
As part of efforts to contribute to youth enlightenment on the nature and significance of the port system in Nigeria, the event would conclude with an excursion for some students to the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base (LADOL).
