NIMAREX 2027: Stakeholders Set to Push Maritime Sector Reforms as Expo Opens November 17
NIMAREX 2027: Stakeholders Set to Push Maritime Sector Reforms as Expo Opens November 17
By Babatunde Aremu
LAGOS — Nigeria’s maritime industry is set to witness renewed conversations on policy reforms, investment opportunities and sectoral development as the 2027 edition of the Nigeria Maritime Exhibition and Conference (NIMAREX) opens in Lagos on November 17.
The event is expected to bring together policymakers, government regulators, maritime professionals, investors and other industry stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s maritime sector and positioning the country as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
With emphasis on translating government policies into practical outcomes, NIMAREX 2027 is expected to address critical issues affecting the industry, including port modernisation, trade facilitation, shipping development, maritime security, blue economy expansion and revenue generation.
Discussions at the exhibition and conference are also expected to examine the need for improved collaboration between government agencies and private-sector operators to remove operational bottlenecks, attract investments and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports.
Key areas expected to feature prominently include maritime policy reforms, port infrastructure development, concession arrangements, Customs modernisation, shipping and logistics, maritime finance, insurance, inland waterways, fisheries and environmental sustainability.
The conference will also provide an opportunity for stakeholders to assess the contribution of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and its agencies, including the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), to the development of the sector.
The 2027 edition is expected to attract terminal operators, shipowners, freight forwarders, manufacturers, technology providers, local and international investors, as well as other maritime service providers.
Activities are expected to include exhibitions, panel discussions, technical workshops and business-to-business networking sessions designed to promote partnerships and showcase investment opportunities within the maritime industry.
Beyond the discussions, the organisers are expected to advance practical recommendations for government and industry stakeholders, particularly in areas capable of creating employment, boosting exports, strengthening indigenous shipping capacity and improving Nigeria’s participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
NIMAREX 2027 is scheduled to open on November 17 in Lagos, with expectations that the gathering will provide a platform for fresh ideas and collaborative efforts towards building a more efficient, competitive and investment-friendly maritime industry in Nigeria.
