The Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, representing the federal government, has announced its impending release of plans for the enhancement of Inland Waterways and Coastal Services within the industry. A statement issued by Mrs. Tosan Edodo-Moore, CEO of Zoe Maritime, quoted Minister Adegboyega Oyetola affirming this development. The disclosure was made in Lagos and anticipates the unveiling of these plans at the upcoming Maritime Business Roundtable Breakfast Meeting.
The federal government’s Renewed Agenda aims to boost the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by augmenting revenue streams from the maritime sector. The Maritime Business Roundtable Breakfast Meeting (MBRBM) is slated for April 18 in Lagos and will focus on Security and New Technologies in Inland Waterways Transportation.
A significant aspect of the meeting will be the address by Madam Yan Yuqing, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China, who will share insights on the Sino-Nigeria Maritime Relationship and draw lessons from China’s extensive Inland Waterways Network.
Minister Adegboyega Oyetola will unveil the administration’s strategies for Inland Waterways and Coastal Services. This will be followed by a panel discussion involving industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and security agencies. Panelists include notable figures such as Mohammed Bello-Koko, Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), and Dr. Dayo Mobereola, Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
Other panelists encompass leaders from the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA), Niger Benue Transport Co Ltd., and the Maritime Police Command. The event is expected to attract a diverse array of participants ranging from maritime stakeholders, government agencies, banks, insurance companies, to oil and gas firms, foreign entities, and more.
The Maritime Breakfast Roundtable promises numerous benefits including enhanced visibility, growth opportunities, networking avenues, knowledge exchange, and impartation of insights.
