By ifeoma ikem
The Expo, with the theme “Shipping, Global Economy and National Development”, will take place on November 27 through November 28, 2019 at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos.
In a press statement signed by Dr. Mcgoerge Onyung, President and Dr. Lucky Akhiwu, Secretary of SOAN, the event is aimed at providing a platform for government agencies, business owners, associations and stakeholders in the logistics, maritime and shipping industry to dialogue on policy formulation and providing a forum to create local and international business alliances.
“Our aim is to provide a platform for government agencies, business owners, associations and stakeholders in the logistics, maritime and shipping industry to dialogue on policy formulation and provide a forum to create local and international business alliances.”
The statement while announcing the maiden edition of the Expo further stated that the two days event is hoped to provide senior government officials, regulators and key industry stakeholders to highlight essential economic policies for the development of a robust and sustainable indigenous shipping industry.
“The cross section of participation of IOCs, regional and indigenous companies and agencies would enhance your organization’s participation,” the statement read.
The release also encouraged delegates to register and benefit from excellent networking opportunities which the Expo will provide in order to ensure that they contribution to the nation’s maritime industry.
The statement also stated that there will be a Conference, Exhibition and a Gala Dinner as part of the highlights at the Expo.
Board of Trustee members such as Rt. Hon Prince Chibudom Nwuche OFR (Chairman), Mr. Babatunde Tijani Folawiyo, Mrs. Margaret Onyema – Orakwusi, Mrs. Mfon Ekong Usoro, Mr. Greg U. Ogbeifun, Captain Adamu Biu, among others will be attending the conference.
With major aim of promoting the interest of members and providing a forum for dialogue between Nigerian Shipowners among themselves and with any other interests, SOAN, has come a long way in creating innovations, technological platforms and solutions to the numerous challenges being faced by her members in the industry, all aimed at ensuring the development of the Shipping and maritime sector.
SOAN unarguably has ensured that Nigeria is safe for shipping activities.
The International Shipping Expo comes with a bouquet of benefits and therefore business owners such as Vessel handlers in Nigeria, Vessel Leasing companies, Oil Vessel owners, Offshore Marine companies, security vessels that form the nucleus of the body are expected to avail themselves of the numerous opportunities which the expo offers to showcase their businesses in order to attract investors and patronage.
Recall that at inauguration of the present executive of the association, the new president Dr Mcgeorge Onyung assured members that SOAN will leverage on available Shipping Trade Forecast highlighted in recent shipping trade forecasts to grow indigenous capacity.
He also promised that SOAN is positioning itself to access a N1.26 trillion ($3.5 billion) funds for ship expansion by the National Content Development and Management Board NCDB in order to grow their fleet.
He said that the $3.5 billion is part of $15 billion local content fund to be used to further develop local content in the oil and gas sector of the economy, adding also that his executive will work towards addressing the challenges such as piracy, access to loans, granting of waivers to foreigners to operate in the Cabotage area, amongst others.
He added that the new executive council will initiate cross-sectorial and inter association dialogues to ensure that the ship owners thrive in an enabling environment.
It is evident that the president in his few months in office has tackled most of the challenges hampering business in the sector.
Indeed it is hoped that the 2019 Lagos International Expo will not only serve as platform for review of promises made but also chart a roadmap for further development in the industry.