Hyacinth Chinweuba
The National Assembly has entered into a partnership agreement with Maritime Media Ltd, Publishers of Shipping World on the forthcoming 1st National Workshop/Exhibition on Deep Seaports scheduled for Jan next year at Eko Hotel and Suites.
A statement by the CEO of Maritime Media Ltd Elder Asu Beks, revealed that the development was the outcome of a meeting weekend in Enugu between management of Maritime Media Ltd and Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Ports and Harbours, Dr Pat Asadu.
Elder Asu explained that in this regard a 3-man Technical Committee on the proposed Workshop and Exhibition has been set up with a former Director General of NIMASA, Arch Ferdinand Agu as Chairman.
Other members of the Technical Committee include Otunba Kunle Folarin, Chairman of the Ports Consultative Council and a renowned maritime lawyer, Mr Chris Asoluka.
Said Asu: ” We have already commenced discussions with five state Governors who are currently promoting deep seaports in their domains. They include Gov Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state,Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state, Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos state, Godwin Obaseki of Edo state and Ben Ayade of Cross River”.
Those expected to participate at the one day Workshop and Exhibition include promoters of deep Seaports, Law Makers, Financial Institutions, Nigerian Ports Authority, NIMASA, Nigerian Shippers Council, Nigerian Inland Waterways Authority, Others include Manufacturers Association of Nigerian, Financial Institutions, International Port Associations, Port Logistics and Haulage firms, Terminal Operators, Freight Forwarders, Petroleum Products Marketers as well as Ship owners amongst others.
According to statistics, Nigeria’s Maritime Assets if fully harnessed is worth over N90trn .
Highlights of the event would be a gala night at which Living Legends of Nigeria’s Maritime Industry would be Inducted into the Maritime Industry Hall of FAME.