2023 Lagos International Maritime Week begins September 19,2023

By Abiodun OBA

The 2023 edition of Lagos International Maritime Week organized by Zoe Maritime Resources will commence today September 19 through 21st, 2023.

Stakeholders in the industry are expected to attend the programme themed: “MARPOL At 50 – Pollution from Ships, Africa’s Commitment to Oceans, Seas, Inland Waters & The Marine Environment”.

The Managing Director of Zoe Maritime Resources, Mrs. Oritsematosan Edodo-Emore, stated in a press statement that the event will be held in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).

“MARPOL covers prevention of pollution of the marine environment by ships whether from operational or accidental causes. After 50 years of its legislative existence, it is important to see how Nigeria and indeed Africa has followed through this global commitment to keeping the marine environment clean and safe from pollution from ships,” she said.

The veteran maritime lawyer pointed out that the protection of the marine environment was one of the main objectives of MARPOL, adding that the event on marine environment would deal with practical issues, like the effects of pollution from ships on Lagos waterways, efforts of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA) on pollution from ships on waterways, enforcement of safe handling of small crafts and prevention of pollution of the waterways.

“Enforcing decarbonisation of Nigeria’s shipping sector as well as the effect of pollution on port users will also be dealt with,” Edodo-Emore stressed.

The convener stressed that activities of the week would comprise the 8th International Maritime Business to Business Conference scheduled to take place from September 19th to September 21st in Lagos State.

“LIMWEEK 2023 proposes to showcase the best of the maritime industry of Nigeria and Africa, networking, advocating, proffering solutions to Africa’s maritime transportation challenges.

“The line-up of events commences with a public lecture to be delivered by Ambassador Adenike Ukonga the immediate past Executive Secretary of the Gulf of Guinea Commission based in Angola.

“Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and the Blue Economy, will give the keynote address, expound the road map for the development of the Blue economy in Nigeria and declare the conference open,” she said.

According to her, there will be roundtable discussions on diverse subjects including maritime transportation and port development, maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, maritime law and arbitration, marine environment, maritime training and education and women in maritime.

It is expected that the General Manager, Lagos State Water Authority (LASWA), Mr. Damilola Emmanuel; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Hon. Emmanuel Jime; the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko; Director General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Bashir Jamoh; among others will grace the2023 Lagos International Maritime Week.