In an exciting development, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has revealed President Bola Tinubu’s eagerness to harness the vast potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector. This announcement was made in a statement to officially announce the 43rd Annual Council and 18th Managing Directors’ Roundtable of the Nigerian Port Authority.
Oyetola emphasized the timeliness of this gathering of maritime experts, highlighting Nigeria’s determination to take the lead in leveraging our marine and blue economy resources to create opportunities for our youth. He stated, “To demonstrate the importance we attach to maximizing the emerging opportunities of AfCFTA, which is the main focus of this conference, we have provided the Nigerian Ports Authority with all the necessary support for a flawless hosting.”
The Managing Director of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello Koko, further emphasized the significance of the conference for Nigeria’s economy. He stated that hosting this conference not only showcases Nigeria’s preparedness to provide regional leadership in port competitiveness but also aligns with President Tinubu’s commitment to trade facilitation and the optimization of our coastal assets through the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The conference, which is set to take place from November 6th to 9th, 2023, at the Lagos Continental Hotel on Victoria Island, will bring together representatives from 24 littoral African countries. The event, under the theme “The Role of Ports in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” aims to create a platform for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and knowledge.
This gathering of maritime experts is a testament to Nigeria’s dedication to unlocking the potential of our marine and blue economy sectors. With President Tinubu’s endorsement and the support of the Nigerian Ports Authority, we are poised to pave the way for a prosperous future in line with the AfCFTA objectives.
