Oyetola, eminent stakeholders, companies indicate participation in MAMAL 2025

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, eminent maritime stakeholders, companies and associations have indicated interests of participation in the 2025 MARAN Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL) on August 27, a new date.

The stakeholders include Chief Executive Officer of Lelook Bags, Chief Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa; Engr Greg Ogbeifun, and maritime lawyers including Mrs. Funke Agbor SAN and Dr. Emeka Akabogu SAN, who is expected to deliver the keynote address.

Companies that have indicated interests include Tantita Security Services Limited and many port terminal operators. Associations include Nigerian Trawler Owners Association (NITOA),  African Shipowners Association (ASA), Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN), Nigerian Shipowners Association (NISA) and Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN).

The event, which was earlier billed for August 28, was taken back to August 27, 2025 for strategic reasons. The new venue is now Four Point by Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The organizer of the MAMAL, Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) announced this development, saying the event, with the theme “Addressing the Burden of War Risk Insurance on Nigerian Maritime Trade,” will focus on the persistent imposition of Extra War Risk Insurance (EWRI) premiums on vessels operating in Nigerian waters and the Gulf of Guinea.

The lecture will host strategic dialogues on maritime security, the impact of global shipping insurance practices, and the way forward for stakeholders in the fishing, shipping, and broader maritime sectors.

Stakeholders participation in the forthcoming MAMAL 2025 is considered critical and timely to help shape actionable outcomes and reinforce industry advocacy for safer waters and fairer trade conditions.

The lecture is expected to bring together over 500 industry participants, including shipowners, terminal operators, insurers, legal practitioners, maritime regulators, naval representatives, and diplomats.

Confirmed speakers include Dr. Emeka Akabogu (Maritime Lawyer), Barr. Temisan Omatseye (former DG, NIMASA), and top representatives from NIMASA, the Nigerian Navy, and international maritime bodies.

Speaking on the upcoming event, MARAN President, Godfrey Bivbere explained that MAMAL 2025 aims to thoroughly examine the perceived threats, realities, and profound implications of persistent Extra War Risk Insurance (EWRI) on Nigeria’s maritime trade and the wider Gulf of Guinea (GoG).

Providing more details about the highly anticipated conference, which has consistently served as a crucial rallying point for all maritime stakeholders due to MARAN’s respected voice, Bivbere added:

“The Summit will also explore issues leading to the classification of the nation’s waters as high-risk zones, roles of classification societies like the Lloyds of London, the roles of core stakeholders like NIMASA, Nigerian Navy and other maritime and security operators.”