NIMS: Experts renew vision to transform Nigeria into maritime industry giant
... Stakeholders include Mfon Usoro, Ogbeifun, Akabogu
A body of industry experts has teamed up with a renewed aim of transforming the Nigerian Maritime Industry into a global Super Power able to optimally harness the multiple benefits of the unfolding African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AFCTA).
The industry gurus, all coming together under the aegis of the Nigerian International Maritime Summit include Barr. Mfon Usoro, who is the Chairperson; Barr. Emeka Akabogu, a revered Maritime Lawyer, who is the NIMS Chief Executive Officer and the nation’s foremost Shipping Mogul, Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, who brings in a towering wealth of experience as Board member, amongst others.
Unfolding the vision of NIMS, Mfon Usoro, a former Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) said the experts teamed up, because Nigeria as a highly-endowed country, must claim its right of place.
She recalled that the industry’s past attempts at pursuing same vision had floundered, and grieved that the development had taken undue toll on pace of development, resulting in forfeiture of outstanding opportunities.
The NIMS Chairperson envisioned the quantum of opportunities that, if harnessed, could become Nigeria’s, particularly in the area of revenue and employment, once the summit, which is slated to be berthed on October 5, 2021, commences.
Highlighting that the objectives of NIMS would be industry-driven, she explained that the inspiration for the pursuit of the new body actually unfolded during the February 2021 Birthday of Engr. Ogbeifun, when core stakeholders noticed the conspicuous absence of the relevant body, and pleaded for an urgent intervention.
Usoro also spoke on the huge potentials industry stakeholders must now play, not only with the manifestation of AfCTA, but even in the determined pursuit of the goals of repositioning Nigeria as a serious country, at the International Maritime Organisation.
“Assuming that we do not (even) have a seat at the International Maritime Organisation, we should have a strong voice at the global Maritime industry;” Barr. Usoro stated, adding that the experts would not rest until they turn Nigeria into a regional maritime super power.
