By Winifred Ngozi Orji
Harboursandport.com: Lagos, Nigeria - February 20, 2025:The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, LCCI has stressed the importance of the maritime industry to the growth and development of the nation's economy.
Speaking in Lagos while playing host to a group of maritime stakeholders who visited to seek support for this year's "Nigerian Maritime Expo, NIMAREX, President of LCCI, Gabriel Idahosa, acknowledged the significance of the maritime sector to the country's growth and development.
The LCCI President also committed to presenting a paper at NIMAREX 2025 and leveraging the event to raise awareness about transforming Nigeria into a maritime nation.
He pledged commitment to NIMAREX 2025 even as he enjoined the planning committee to engage the LCCI Director General, Mrs. Chinyere Almona to iron out areas and terms of the collaboration.
Idahosa expressed delight at the rich maritime delegation even as he described the maritime sector group at the LCCI as one of the most significant in terms of its impact on the nation's economy.
His words: "Lagos has always been a marine location and its maritime history predates its emergence as the nation's capital city or commercial capital.
So, the maritime sector is special to LCCI. We have 27 sectoral groups here and the maritime group is one of the critical ones in terms of its contribution to the economy.
"It is also heartwarming that the federal government has discovered the need for special attention to the industry by creating a distinct Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to reposition the industry. I'm open to listening to learn more about the industry and I look forward to the NIMAREX."
The visiting team led by former Director General of Indigenous Ship Owners Association of Nigeria, ISAN, FUnmi Folorunsho, was primarily to discuss and collaborate on the revival of the NIMAREX, the country's premier maritime event.
Speaking at the event, Folorunso, stated that the need for NIMAREX and the maritime industry to partner with the LCCI emerged after understanding the Chamber's strategic structure which has the whole sectoral groups across the nation's economy.
"At my first meeting as Chairman, LCCI Maritime Sector group, I observed the Chamber is beautifully structured to have all sectoral groups. I spoke to a friend about this and she quickly reminded me that I'm here to bring the maritime sector and NIMAREX to this special LCCI. We are here to collaborate and I'm grateful for this opportunity," she said.
The delegation includes notable industry experts like Bolaji Sunmola, Chairman of the Ports Consultative Forum, Captain Ebubeogu Iheanacho, a renowned maritime expert.
With approximately 92% of global trade conducted by sea and between 70 to 80 per cent of cargo arriving in Africa destined for Nigeria, stakeholders recognized the vast potential of the industry.
Commenting, a member of the visiting delegation, Ebubeogu Iheanacho, highlighted the need for collaboration among government agencies, shipowners, master mariners, lawyers, journalists, and researchers to effectively showcase these opportunities at NIMAREX 2025.
Others who spoke at the meeting urged stakeholders to work in synergy and ensure the success of the conference.
The Federal Government was also advised to implement decisions taken at NIMAREX 2024 to promote foreign and local networking, attract foreign direct investments, and accelerate development in the maritime sector.
NIMAREX 2025 is expected to be a game-changer for Nigeria's maritime industry, providing a platform for stakeholders to showcase products, new technologies, services, and real business opportunities.
With the LCCI's support and the collective efforts of stakeholders, NIMAREX 2025 is poised to drive growth, development, and investment in Nigeria's maritime industry.
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