Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is gearing up to host its highly anticipated Annual Maritime Lecture on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
This year’s event, themed *”AfCFTA: Dismantling Trade Barriers, Navigating Regional Trade,”* will delve into the transformative potential of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and its implications for regional and global commerce.
The lecture will convene a host of distinguished speakers and industry leaders. Adegboyega Oyetola, Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, will deliver the keynote address, highlighting the government’s efforts to break down trade barriers and foster a thriving blue economy.
Other notable speakers include:
– **Olusegun Awolowo**, Secretary of AfCFTA Nigeria
– **Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa**, former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and a respected maritime expert
– **Muda Yusuf**, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE) and a leading economist
– **Adewale Adeniyi**, Comptroller-General of Customs, serving as the Guest of Honour
According to MARAN President Godfrey Bivbere, the lecture will bring together policymakers, maritime stakeholders, and trade experts to discuss actionable strategies for leveraging AfCFTA to drive trade competitiveness, attract foreign investments, and foster economic growth.
Participants can look forward to expert-led panels, engaging discussions, and opportunities to network with industry leaders.
**Event Details:**
– **Date:** Thursday, November 21, 2024
– **Time:** 10:00 AM Prompt
– **Venue:** Providence Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos
– **Admission:** Free
This event underscores MARAN’s commitment to facilitating dialogue and collaboration within the maritime sector to enhance Nigeria’s role in regional and global trade.
The MARAN Annual Maritime Lecture is open to all interested parties, and attendance is free of charge. Industry players, maritime stakeholders, and the general public are encouraged to attend this pivotal event for robust discussions on the future of regional trade and the blue economy in Africa.
