The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has appointed the President of Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS), Mr. Aminu Umar, as the first African member of the ICS Board.
NCS Director General, Mrs. Vivian Chimezie-Azubuike, disclosed this in a press statement disseminated on Thursday.
Aminu Umar’s appointment on the ICS Board marks a significant milestone for the NCS President and for Nigeria’s maritime sector on the global stage.
Expressing his gratitude for the appointment, Umar said, “I am honored to represent Nigeria and contribute to the global efforts of the International Chamber of Shipping. This appointment is a testament to the potential and capabilities of Nigeria’s maritime sector.”
Aminu, who is also the Chairman of Sea Transport Group, equally called for collaboration with all stakeholders towards optimizing Nigeria’s global presence at the International Chamber of Shipping.
Part of the NCS press statement read, “Mr. Umar’s appointment to the ICS Board underscores Nigeria’s growing influence and leadership within the international maritime community. With his vast experience and strategic vision, Mr. Umar is poised to contribute immensely to the ICS’s mission of promoting and representing the global shipping industry.”
NCS continues to emphasize the importance of collaboration between industry stakeholders and government bodies, particularly the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
“This collaboration aims to facilitate Nigeria’s deserving seat at the International Maritime Organization (IMO). The synergies between the ICS and IMO are critical, as the ICS holds consultative/advisory status at the IMO, enabling it to influence and shape international maritime policies that impact Nigeria and the global shipping industry.”
“NCS is the leading organization representing the interest of the Nigerian maritime industry. Established to promote and advance the development of shipping, maritime infrastructure, and services in Nigeria, the Chamber plays a crucial role in advocating policies that enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector globally. It remains committed to advancing the interests of Nigerian shipping companies, promoting safety and sustainability in maritime operations, and fostering partnerships that enhance Nigeria’s maritime presence globally,” it read.
The ICS, however, stands as a cornerstone institution in the global maritime industry, representing over 80% of the world’s merchant fleet.
Established in 1921, the ICS plays a pivotal role in advocating for the interests of shipowners and operators on an international scale, working tirelessly to promote the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship, and operational efficiency in shipping.
At the core of its mission, the ICS serves as a respected voice within international regulatory bodies such as the IMO, where it holds significant consultative/advisory status. This allows the ICS to influence and shape maritime policies and regulations that impact the industry worldwide.
Beyond regulatory advocacy, the ICS also provides invaluable support to its members through guidance on technical and operational matters, fostering best practices that enhance both safety at sea and sustainability in maritime operations.
