The first ever female Director General and chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Mrs. Mfon Ekong Usoro has been named as the pioneer Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian International Maritime Summit (NIMS) while Alhaji Aminu Umar has been named to chair its Advisory Council.
This is coming on the heels of the confirmation of the date for the NIMS in the country. The summit which expected to attract participants from far and near will hold from 5th to 6th October 2021 in Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, Lagos.
In a statement made available to Maritime Bits the organisers said the NIMSis the only “whole-of-value-chain” business event for operators, service providers, regulators and development organisations in Nigeria’s maritime industry.
It incorporates a strategic conference, a hybrid exhibition and an industry gala, creating a first-rate promotional, business development and policy activation opportunity. Promoted by an industry-wide coalition of the Nigerian maritime private sector, NIMS also draws on support by key government bodies.
Usoro is renowned for cross-cutting work in key shipping areas including cabotage, finance and ports. Other members of the Governing Board are Engr. Greg Ogbeifun, Mrs. Margaret Orakwusi and Mr. Emeka Akabogu.
Umar, a leading ship owner and operator, chairs the advisory council that represents diverse sectors of the maritime industry.
It also includes Princess Vicky Haastrup (ports and terminals), Mr. Olumide Sofowora, SAN (maritime law), Engr. John Oguntokun (marine engineers), and Mrs. Jean Chiazor-Anishere, SAN (women in maritime). Otunba Kunle Folarin (services), Dr. Bolaji Akinola (media), Captain Tajudeen Alao (master mariners), Alhaji Mahmud Bamanga Tukur (oil trading) and representatives from the freight forwarders, finance and security services also make up the council.
