Book on history of times and liquidation of Africa’s Pioneer Carriers” for launch in Lagos
A book titled “The Rise, Fall and Liquidation of Africa’s Pioneer Carriers: Nigeria National Shipping Line and Black Star Lines” will be launched in Etal Hotel, Apapa Lagos on Thursday, 17th of June, 2021.
Author of the book, Dr. Edmund Chilaka, is also the publisher of dredging and maritime quarterly print magazine, Dredge, Drill &Haul.
Key industry stakeholders expected at the launch include the Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Dr. Bashir Jamoh, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers Council, Barr. Hassan Bello, President of Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), MkGeorge Onyong.
Host of the book launch is Capt. Emmanuel Iheanacho, Chairman of Integrated Oil and Gas Nigeria Limited.
The Chief Launchers of that day are Dr. Taiwo Afolabi, Executive Vice Chairman of Sifax Group, Musa Danjuma, Chairman of Comet Group, and Alh. Aminu Umar, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sea Transport Group.
The book would be reviewed by Prof. David Aworawo, Head of Department, History and Strategic Studies, University of Lagos.
Writing ‘About The Book’, Chilaka says the book is the culmination of a Ph.D. research on the activities of the first two shipping lines to be floated by the Governments of Ghana and Nigeria in 1957 and 1959, respectively.
“With those singular acts, an era of strong economic nationalism was declared and it pervaded West Africa, bringing many socioeconomic benefits to the people.
“However, when the carriers collapsed and were liquidated forty years later in the 1990s, the region unfortunately reverted to the helpless importation of shipping services from Europe, Asia and North America.”
He added that “Scholars, policymakers and investors will find the book insightful and captivating while former employees of the NNSL and BSL, their families and other stakeholders and aficionados will discover much empathy and nostalgia in its pages.
Edmund Chilaka holds a Ph.D. in History and Strategic Studies from the University of Lagos.
His research interests include maritime and general transport studies, port security, dredging and sand mining activities.
