Maritime agencies and stakeholders, including the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), and the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) among others have indicated their support for the “50 Drivers of Nigerian Maritime and Blue Economy,” a book project showcasing the potentials of Nigeria’s maritime resources.
The book project is currently being midwifed by a leading maritime journalists group, the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) in order to grow public knowledge on the potentials inherent in the emerging blue economy.
President of MARAN, Mr. Godfrey Bivbere, said the book also seeks to document the contributions of industry regulators, operators, organizations and individuals who have invested their time, intellect and resources to the growth and development of the maritime sector.
Other industry bigwigs that have indicated support for MARAN’s “50 Drivers of Nigerian Maritime and Blue Economy” are Prince Olayiwola Shittu, former President of Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA); Chief Isaac Jolapamo, Chairman Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Shipowners Association (NISA); Dame Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN) Principal Partner, Jean Chiazor and Partners, amongst others.
Speaking on the need for the book, Bivbere said: “MARAN as a body of watchdogs of the industry is worried about the apparent dearth of sufficient materials for public knowledge about the potential of the maritime industry in Nigeria and the government’s intention for setting up the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
“The 50 Drivers of the Nigerian Maritime and Blue Economy will focus on the economic potentials of maritime and the inputs and impacts of outstanding individuals and organizations to the transformation of the Nigerian maritime industry.”
He noted that documenting such contributions of individuals and corporate bodies will engender healthy rivalry among stakeholders and fast-track development of the sector and the new Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
“The book will in the future serve as a referral and research material for students in higher institutions of learning,” Bivbere added.
The MARAN President revealed that the book is expected to be launched by the third quarter of the year 2024.
He said the association has extended a hand of inclusion to maritime stakeholders who wish to be a part of the book project.
