Nigerian Ports Authority Secures Prestigious Role in PMAWCA Summit for Trade Advancements
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) earns acclaim from the Port Management Association of West & Central Africa (PMAWCA), securing the right to host their prominent 43rd Annual Council and 18th Managing Directors’ Roundtable. The event, scheduled to convene at the Lagos Continental Hotel, aims to emphasize the critical role of ports in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and foster discussions on maximizing the maritime potential in the region. With the summit set to be inaugurated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the NPA, along with maritime experts, anticipates a knowledge-sharing platform to guide policies and capitalize on AfCFTA opportunities for regional trade growth.
Hosting Rights Granted to NPA for PMAWCA Summit - Focusing on AfCFTA Role in Port Development.
The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has been acknowledged for its outstanding advancements in trade facilitation by the Port Management Association of West & Central Africa (PMAWCA). Consequently, the NPA has been granted the privilege of hosting the 43rd Annual Council and 18th Managing Directors’ Roundtable, gathering representatives from 24 coastal African countries. This significant event is slated to take place from November 6th to 9th, 2023, at the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island Lagos. The opening ceremony will be officiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, featuring the theme "The Role of Ports in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)."
The conference aims to foster an exchange of ideas, experiences, and knowledge among maritime experts to shape policies that capitalize on the region's maritime advantages. The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, emphasized the timely nature of the event for Nigeria. He highlighted the nation's ambition to harness its marine and blue economy potential, particularly in creating opportunities for its burgeoning youth population.
In alignment with this focus on AfCFTA, the Minister affirmed unwavering support for the NPA, recognizing the significance of maximizing the emerging AfCFTA opportunities. Mohammed Bello-Koko, the Managing Director of the NPA, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the authority's confidence in hosting the conference. He credited this confidence to the NPA's readiness to take the lead in enhancing port competitiveness, inspired by the trade facilitation commitment of the President and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy's endorsement of their initiatives.
The collective vision is to leverage the potential of Nigeria's maritime sector and demonstrate regional leadership in driving port competitiveness, exemplifying the commitment to fully embrace the opportunities presented by AfCFTA.
