Maritime experts and port industry stakeholders are set to brainstorm on solutions to the deplorable state of port infrastructure in the country, especially the Tin Can Island Port characterized by collapsed quay aprons.
This platform for robust solution-based summit is being organized by the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) and it is scheduled to hold at Rock View hotel, Apapa, Lagos, by 10am tomorrow.
Industry bigwigs including; the Managing Director of Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mohammed Bello-Koko; the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers Council, Hon. Emmanuel Jime; the President General of the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN), Comrade Adewale Adeyanju, are among the stakeholders that have confirmed their attendance at the meeting.
The event themed; “Rehabilitation of Tin Can Island Port: Proffering Workable Solutions,” will be chaired by the Head of Research at Sea Empowerment Research Centre, Dr. Eugene Nweke with NPA and Shippers’ Council bosses playing the role of Guest Speaker and Special Guest, respectively.
Bello-Koko has since confirmed to the executives of MARAN, led by Mr. Godfey Bivbere that he would be on ground to give the keynote address at the meeting.
Earlier today, Jime and Adeyanju both confirmed attendance and stressed that the topic of discussion at the meeting affects the nation’s economy and solutions must be proffered.
MARAN has expressed concerns over the state of the quay apron of the Tin Can Island Port of Lagos, as well as the need for the rehabilitation of other ports around the country.
The President of MARAN, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, stated the association is worried that the collapsed quay apron is already leading to vessels avoiding the Tin Can Island Port leading to loss of revenue for the federal government.
He, however, added that the occasion would also be utilized as a good platform to inaugurate the newly elected officials of the association.
Other dignitaries expected at the meeting include; the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Transportation, Dr. (Mrs.) Magdalene Ajani, various commands of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS); shipping companies, terminal operators, barge opertors, freight forwarders, among others.
