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.
For sponsorship and more
information on how to participate, call +234 8033035600, +2348176590262.
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