By JJoy Enamuna

The Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN) will host its Annual Maritime Lecture on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at the Providence Hotel in Ikeja GRA, Lagos. The event, themed “AfCFTA: Dismantling Trade Barriers, Navigating Regional Trade,” aims to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

According to MARAN President Godfrey Bivbere, the lecture will gather policymakers, industry leaders, and experts to discuss how African nations, particularly Nigeria, can capitalize on AfCFTA to enhance trade competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and foster economic growth. The discussions will explore strategies to dismantle trade barriers and strengthen regional commerce.

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, will deliver the keynote address, highlighting the Federal Government’s initiatives to boost the blue economy and improve trade facilitation. Other prominent speakers include Olusegun Awolowo, Secretary of AfCFTA Nigeria; Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, a renowned maritime expert and former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA); and Muda Yussuf, CEO of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise (CPPE). The Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, will also be in attendance as the Guest of Honour.

The lecture, scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM, promises engaging discussions, expert-led panels, and in-depth deliberations on how to maximize the benefits of AfCFTA. MARAN has extended an invitation to maritime stakeholders, industry players, and members of the public to attend this critical event, which is free of charge.