
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s maritime industry have found need to revive the annual Nigeria Maritime Expo International Exhibition and Conference (NIMAREX).
The stakeholders on Wednesday August 28, 2024 gathered at Radisson Blu Hotel in Lagos to chat a way forward towards the revival of the Conference.
President, Nigeria Ship Owners Association of Nigeria and convener of Nimarex 2024 , Otunba Sola Adewunmi, in his welcome address at the inaugural meeting called for government/private partnership, synergy and collaboration of all stakeholders to bring back NIMAREX which he described as Africa’s biggest maritime event.
He said: “As we embark on this new chapter, it is crucial that we all recognise NIMAREX as our event — a true umbrella that brings together all maritime associations, fostering unity and cooperation across the entire industry.
“This is not just an event for NISA; it is an event for every stakeholder in the maritime sector together, we can make NIMAREX a rallying point where our shared interests are promoted, our challenges are addressed, and our future is shaped .
“I am also mindful that the success of NIMAREX depends on the active involvement and contributions of every association and stakeholder present here today. Therefore I extend an open invitation for your suggestions and ideas on how we can collectively plan and execute this event in a manner that truly reflects the diverse and dynamic nature of our maritime community.
“Your insights and collaboration are invaluable as we work together to make NIMAREX an event that we can all be proud of.”
Chairman Ports consultative Forum, Bolaji Sunmola also urged stakeholders at the meeting to ensure that the 2024 Edition of NIMAREX gets the attention and commitment of all stakeholders and is inline with the key objectives of President Tinubu’s Administration on the creation of Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.
Other Participants at the inaugural meeting want NIMAREX 2024 to be a great opportunity to provide a viable structure and framework that will promote business and engineer development in the industry.
Participants at the inaugural meeting called for the set up of various committees amongst stakeholders to organise and ensure the success of the conference .
The federal government was also been advised to ensure implementation of decisions taken at NIMAREX 2024.
Effective implementation of decisions taken at NIMAREX, stakeholders believe would ensure foreign and local networking, ensure foreign Direct investments and fast track development in the maritime sector.
The inaugural meeting of NIMAREX 2024 was attended by representatives of Ship owners Association, National inland waterways Authority, Nigeria customs service, Nigeria shippers council Nigeria ports consultative council, representatives from the media, seafarers, Nigeria chamber of shipping, Nigeria Association of Master Mariners, Women in maritime of West and Central Africa, Association of Nigeria licensed customs Agents , chartered institute of logistics and Transport and other stakeholders in the maritime industry.
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