MARAN rallies Oyetola, Tantita, Ogbeifun, MASPAN, others for MAMAL 2025

By Joy Enamuna

The Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) is set to host the 2025 edition of its Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL), with major stakeholders in the industry expected to participate.

Among those being rallied for the high-level event are the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Tantita Security Services Limited; maritime expert Engr. Greg Ogbeifun; and the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN).

Also expected at the gathering are leading maritime legal practitioners, including Mrs. Funke Agbor (SAN) and Dr. Emeka Akabogu (SAN), who will deliver the keynote address.

Chief Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, CEO of Lelook Bags, and terminal operators are also listed among expected attendees.

Several key industry groups have been invited, including the Nigerian Trawler Owners Association (NITOA), African Shipowners Association (ASA), Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), and the Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA).

In an update issued by MARAN, the event, previously scheduled for August 28 at Eko Hotel, will now take place a day earlier—on August 27, 2025—at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Themed “Addressing the Burden of War Risk Insurance on Nigerian Maritime Trade,” MAMAL 2025 will spotlight the persistent challenges posed by Extra War Risk Insurance (EWRI) premiums levied on vessels operating within Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea.

The event will feature strategic discussions on maritime security, international insurance frameworks, and practical solutions for industry players in the fishing and shipping sectors.

Participation is expected to exceed 500 delegates from across the maritime landscape, including shipowners, lawyers, terminal operators, insurers, naval officers, regulators, and members of the diplomatic corps.

Speakers already confirmed include Dr. Emeka Akabogu, Barr. Temisan Omatseye (former Director-General of NIMASA), and top officials from the Nigerian Navy, NIMASA, and global maritime organisations.

Speaking on the event, MARAN President Godfrey Bivbere said MAMAL 2025 would take a deep dive into the risks and consequences associated with war risk insurance charges in Nigerian maritime trade.

“The Summit will also explore issues leading to the classification of the nation’s waters as high-risk zones, roles of classification societies like the Lloyds of London, the roles of core stakeholders like NIMASA, Nigerian Navy and other maritime and security operators.”