The League Of Maritime Editors held their 13th, Annual General meeting AGM/Seminar in Lagos on Friday, August 23, 2024 with the theme, “Renewed Hope Agenda; The Place of Nigeria’s Maritime Industry, Challenges of Customs Revenue Generation/Anti-Smuggling Operations”
The seminar, which was declared opened by Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola, was represented by the ministry’s Director, Maritime Services, who gave the key note address of the Minister speech analyses the journey of the marine and blue economy in the past one year of having a separate ministry with the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Renewed Hope Agenda: The Place of Nigeria’s Maritime Industry/Challenges of Customs Revenue Generation/Anti-Smuggling Operations” Hon. Adegboyega Oyetola, noted that there is need to exploit the sector’s vast untapped potentials and economic possibilities prompted the carving out of a separate ministry for it.
“I encourage you to continue highlighting the opportunities in this space, showcasing successes, and ensuring that public and private stakeholders are held accountable. Your role in informing and educating the public will be key to unlocking the full potentials of the blue economy,” he stated.
By improving port efficiency, enhancing infrastructure, boosting maritime security, and developing the workforce.
“Additionally, we aim to sustainably leverage maritime resources to create jobs, increase revenue, and promote environmental stewardship.”
To these ends, Oyetola solicited the maritime media support in achieving these, as their role “in shaping public perception and highlighting critical issues is very essential. Through your platforms, you can showcase the maritime sector’s potentials and its benefits to all Nigerians.”
He further commended LOMEP’s efforts in bringing attention to the sector’s challenges and opportunities, which have “raised awareness of the blue economy’s vast possibilities,” while soliciting their continued support to portray the sector as a transformative force in Nigeria’s economy.
“Please stay engaged in reporting on maritime reforms and initiatives. We are committed to providing accurate information and supporting your efforts to keep the public informed,” he stated.
The Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, who was able represented by the Customs Area Controller of Tin Can Island Port Command, Comptroller Dera Nnadi, who presented the key note address on behalf of the CG pointed out that the aimed at increasing trade activities between the two countries and ensuring seamless implementation of the policy agreed upon by both countries in the meeting.
Barrister Pius Akutah, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), on behalf of Nigerian Shippers’ Council gave his key note address by observing that trade between Africa countries is more expensive compared with trading with parts of the world. This is due to several bottlenecks such as poor infrastructure, cumbersome border procedure, trade restriction, arbitrary tariff and high cost of doing business in general.” He reiterated.
But, with the theme, “Renewed Hope Agenda; The Place of Nigeria’s Maritime Industry”. He said. “There is no doubt that this topic was carefully chosen to explore the areas that the league and stakeholders could contribute in achieving the Federal Government’s agenda.
Saying that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has laid down an 8-point agenda in order to revamp our national economy. A cardinal part of this agendas directly related to our industry is “Enhance infrastructure and transportation as enablers of growth”
Barrister Pius Akutah, said since the unbundled of Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria Shippers’ Council is committed to continue promoting and advocate for full digitalisation of port process and operations in Nigeria port. This is in line with the Federal Government’s “Renewed Hope” and also our mandate as the nation’s port economic regulator. I am happy to inform this gathering that over 90% of Nigeria port process and operations are now automate, he said.
The event which was chaired by the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barrister Pius Akutah,
Guests of Honour at the occasion include the Special Adviser to the President on Policy/Coordination, Ms Hadiza Bala Usman, Comptroller General of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi MFR and Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubarkar Dantsoho.
Other Guests of Honour include former Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr Hassan Bello and Chairman, Seaports Terminal Operators Association of Nigeria (STOAN), Dr. Mrs Vicky Haastrup, Comptroller James Ojo, of the Ogun 1 Command, Idiroko, Comptroller Michael Toyin Awe all fully represented by senior officer of various Command.
Guest Lecturers of the occasion is the former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Ade Dosunmu and Senior Lecturer at the Nigeria Maritime University, Okerenkoko, Dr. Charles Okorefe.
The outgoing President of the League of Maritime Editors and Publishers, Chief Timonthy Okorocha, said the seminar is part of the contributions of the association to the development of the maritime sector.
LOME is made up of veteran maritime media practitioners who have covered the industry for close to three decades.
Okorocha added that top maritime industry stakeholders and experts have been invited to be part of the discussions on different issues affecting the marine and blue economy
The occasion also witness the swearing in of new Exco of the association, where Mrs Remi Itie, Publisher of Pathway Magazine, is now the President of “The League Of Maritime Editors”.
Other members of the executive include Mr Friday Odoemena – Vice President, Mr Felix Kumuyi – Secretary, Chief Okey Iroegbu – Assistant Secretary, Mr Tony Ohakwe – Treasurer, Mr Godwin Obi – Financial Secretary, Mr Shola Mekusi – Welfare Officer and Mr Francis Ugwoke – Public Relations Officer.
The post of President was contested by Mrs Itie and Eddie Iroha. Similarly, Godwin Obi and Mr Eguono Odjegba contested for the position of Financial Secretary.
Other members of the executive were elected unopposed.
Two senior maritime journalists, Mr Funso Olojo and Chief Innocent Chukwu were Returning Officers during the election at Ikeja Airport Hotel where the League also held its Annual General Meeting (AGM).
In his acceptance speech after the election, Itie promised to do her best in serving the association for the next two years.
She extended a hand of fellowship to all to continue to make the association great.
