The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said President Bola Tinubu is eager to harness the potential in the sector.
Oyetola disclosed this in a statement to announce this year’s 43rd Annual Council and 18th Managing Directors’ Roundtable of the Nigerian Port Authority.
Oyetola said: “This gathering of maritime experts is very timely, as it is coming when Nigeria is eager to provide the leadership necessary to convert our marine and blue economy potentials to actualities to provide opportunities for our growing youth population.”
He added: “To demonstrate the premium we place on maximising the emerging opportunities of AfCFTA, which is the focal point of the conference, we have given the Nigerian Ports Authority all the support necessary for flawless hosting.”
On his part, the Managing Director of NPA, Mohammed Bello Koko, harped on the significance of the conference to Nigeria’s economy.
“Our confidence in hosting this conference is a demonstration of our readiness to provide regional leadership in port competitiveness and is inspired by the uncommon trade facilitation orientation of Mr President, who is already endorsing some of our initiatives for the maximisation of our littoral assets under the auspices of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.”
The gathering is expected to host 24 littoral African countries from November 6–9, 2023, at the Lagos Continental Hotel Victoria Island Lagos, and to be declared open by President Tinubu.
Themed “The Role of Ports in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA),” the conference would provide a platform for the cross-fertilisation of ideas, experiences, and knowledge.
