After a hiatus of about 10 years, maritime stakeholders in the country have pushed for the revival of the biggest maritime event in Nigeria, Nigerian Maritime Expo (NIMAREX).
The stakeholders converged at Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)on Thursday February 20 to discuss on the way forward, even as they collaborated with the LCCI for a 2025 edition.
The Maritime stakeholders and members of the planning committee of NIMAREX 2025 led by Former Director General, Indigenous Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (ISAN), Funmi Folorunsho, include the Chairman, Ports Consultative Forum, Bolaji Sunmola, Captain Ebubeogu Iheanacho, Women in Maritime (WIMA), members of the maritime media amongst others.
About 92 per cent of world Trade is by sea, while 70 to 80 per cent of cargoes that come to Africa are destined for Nigeria.
Iheanacho emphasised that there is the need for the government, shipowners, Master Mariners , lawyers, journalists and researchers to work together to showcase these enormous potentials in the upcoming event.
The President of LCCI, Gabriel Idahosa, and Director General, Dr. Chinyere
Almonah, spoke in the same vein recognising the importance of Nigeria’s maritime industry to the growth and development of the country.
The LCCI President who gave the commitment to deliver a paper at NIMAREX 2025 also assured the visiting team that the organisation will take advantage of the NIMAREX 2025 to sensitise stakeholders in Nigeria’s economy on the need to make the country a maritime nation where the potentials are fully harnessed.
Other participants at the meeting urged the stakeholders to work in synergy and ensure the success of the conference.
The stakeholders also advised the federal government to ensure implementation of decisions taken at NIMAREX 2015, as they believe that effective implementation of decisions taken at NIMAREX would ensure foreign and local networking, ensure foreign direct investments and fast track development in the maritime sector.
NIMAREX is the umbrella event and unifying voice for all stakeholders and shipping operators in Nigeria.
It is an annual event that attracts both local and international operators to showcase products, new technologies, services, networking and real business opportunities in the maritime sector.