Port Management Association of West and Central Africa (PMAWCA) has granted hosting rights to its 43rd yearly Council and 18th Managing Directors’ Roundtable to the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
The gathering of 24 littoral African countries in Lagos, from November 6 to 9, would be declared open by President Bola Tinubu, with the theme: “The Role of Ports in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).”
The occasion serves as a platform for the cross-fertilization of ideas, experiences, and knowledge-sharing to guide necessary policy action toward maximizing the maritime comparative advantage of the region.
Speaking yesterday on Nigeria’s preparedness and expectations from the conference, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, expressed happiness that the meeting is being held at a time when the most populous black nation was desirous to provide the leadership necessary to maximise its marine and blue economy potential for prosperity of the growing youth population.
“To demonstrate the premium we place on maximizing the emerging opportunities of AfCFTA, which is the focal point of the conference, we have given the Nigerian Ports Authority all the support necessary for a flawless hosting,” he said.
Also speaking at the media chat in Lagos, NPA Managing Director, Mohammed Bello-Koko, promised a successful outing.
He restated his organization’s readiness to provide regional leadership in port competitiveness.
