The Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, is set to provide an in-depth analysis of port infrastructure development at the 7th Annual Conference of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) on Thursday.
The event, scheduled to begin at 10:00 am at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, will focus on the theme: “Nigeria’s Maritime/Blue Economy Industry under the Renewed Hope Agenda: What is New.” It aims to explore how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy can unlock the $1.9 trillion potential of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
Dr. Dantsoho, who recently toured the Lagos Ports, had announced plans to boost container traffic from the current two million containers annually to over seven million. This expansion, he said, is part of a modernization initiative that will require significant investment from the NPA.
“The port expansion and modernization project are essential to repositioning Nigeria as a key maritime hub in Africa,” Dantsoho remarked during his tour.
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, will grace the event as the Special Guest of Honour. The Secretary General of the Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA), who will be inducted as an AMJON Patron, is set to chair the occasion.
Other notable attendees include the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Akutah, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and other top maritime industry CEOs.
Chief Tony Nwabunike, Patron of AMJON, along with other prominent stakeholders, will also be present to steer conversations on the industry’s future.
Outgoing AMJON President, Paul Ogbuokiri, described the conference as an opportunity to foster dialogue and innovation in the maritime sector.
“This year’s lecture will not only highlight government efforts and opportunities within the Blue Economy but will also educate stakeholders and investors on how the government is creating an enabling environment for investments to thrive,” Ogbuokiri said.
He further revealed that the event will feature the installation of new patrons, the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians, and the inauguration of the newly elected AMJON executives, led by Mr. Kelvin Kagbare, who will pilot the association’s affairs for the next three years.
“The 2024 AMJON Annual Lecture promises to be a milestone event, bringing together influential voices to chart a new course for the maritime industry,” Ogbuokiri added.