Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) will welcome top officials, including Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi, and AfCFTA Nigeria Secretary Dr. Segun Awolowo, as keynote speakers for its Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL) 2024.
The event, set for November 21, 2024, at Providence Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, will focus on the theme, “AfCFTA: Dismantling Trade Barriers, Navigating Regional Trade.”
In a year marked by intensified efforts to harness the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the conference aims to facilitate discussions on breaking down trade barriers and fostering regional integration.
MARAN President Godfrey Bivbere highlighted the significance of this year’s theme, emphasizing the relevance of the forum amid Nigeria’s push for a more integrated regional market.
“This event will provide stakeholders with valuable insights into overcoming trade barriers and capitalizing on the benefits of regional integration,” Bivbere stated.
Attendees from the maritime, trade, and logistics sectors will have the chance to engage in high-level discussions, network, and explore strategic opportunities to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness within the regional market.
The event will also offer a platform for critical dialogue on policy development and industry trends, fostering collaboration and investment aligned with AfCFTA’s objectives.
“With MAMAL 2024, MARAN continues its mission to advance discourse on maritime and trade policy, driving forward the dialogue on achieving a unified, competitive market across Africa,” Bivbere noted.
As the AfCFTA reshapes the continent’s trade landscape, MAMAL 2024 promises to be a pivotal event for business leaders and policymakers aiming to navigate the complexities of the evolving regional economy.
