The nation’s Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in collaboration with the Union of African Shippers’ Councils (UASC) has concluded plans to hold the 9th edition of African Shippers’ Day in Lagos.
   
The event is scheduled to hold from Monday, January 16, 2023, to Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
   
The programme, with the theme ‘‘African Continental Free Trade Agreement: A Veritable Platform for African Shippers to Mainstream into Global Trade’’, will be declared open by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, while the Minister of Transportation, Engr. Mu’Azu Jaji Sambo is the chief host.
 
Head, Public Relations Unit, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Rakiya Dhikru-Yagboyaju, in a statement, said that the Secretary-General, African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), Mr Wamkele Mene would make a presentation on the topic ‘‘AfCFTA: Vehicle for Africa’s Economic Growth & Development’’.
   
Other speakers are the Secretary-General, the International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria (ICCN) Mrs Olubunmi Osuntuyi, who will speak on ‘‘The Role of INCOTERMS 2020 in the Implementation of African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA)’’ and Nwachukwu Remigus, Manager, Trade Finance, African Export-Import Bank will make a presentation on ‘‘Payment Systems in International Trade’’.
 
The African Shippers’ Day is primarily aimed at creating a forum for the exchange of ideas and experiences amongst shippers in the West and Central African Sub-regions; discussions on issues that will improve maritime trade, and disseminating information on the role of Shippers’ Councils and UASC. The event will be attended by member countries of the Union of African Shippers’ Councils as well as other countries. Ghana hosted the 8th edition of African Shippers’ Day in 2021.