Congress Of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners Host Successful Workshop on Sustainable Development

By Lod Onyeji 

The Congress of Nigerian Maritime Media Practitioners (CONMMEP) recently hosted a highly anticipated workshop, themed "Port Community Engagement: Building Partnerships for Sustainable Development," at the Rockview Hotel in GRA Apapa, Lagos. The event brought together industry stakeholders to discuss sustainable development in Nigerian ports.

Chief Abdullai Tony Dania Esq, the guest speaker, delivered a high-standard presentation, highlighting government policies, programs, and projects within the Nigerian maritime space and port communities. He emphasized the need for CONMMEP to be bold in its pursuit of accountability and transparency.

The workshop also urged the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, to recognize CONMMEP as a worthy partner in achieving the ministry's goals. Additionally, CONMMEP was encouraged to follow up on the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission's (NUPRC) initiatives to promote sustainable development in host communities around Nigerian ports.

The NUPRC's initiatives include the inauguration of the Host Community Development and Administration Trust Board of Trustees (BOT) Forum in February 2024, which incorporated 103 Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs), with 52 already funded. This program focuses on implementing the Host Community provisions under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), 2021.

Furthermore, the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration has announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP), offering $230 million in discretionary grant funding for port and intermodal infrastructure-related projects.

The workshop was attended by notable industry stakeholders, including the paramount ruler of the premier ports communities in Lagos, HRM Oba Mohammed Moroof Oyekunle Attanda Amodu Tijani Oluwa. However, only the Standard Organization of Nigeria and the Nigeria Shippers Council sent representatives.

The workshop's panelists and discussants emphasized the need for effective engagement with youths and community leaders in the removal and economic use of water hyacinths and wrecks by relevant agencies.