ICS to launch new Nigeria Chapter at Multimodal West Africa 2017

scenar308 (Bernd S) via Wikimedia Commons - Port Apapa Lagos Nigeria

“Capacity building in the commercial shipping arena to contribute to economic growth in Nigeria and the West Africa sub-region is our main target and we are very excited about it,” says Captain Samuel Olarewaju, (FICS), vice chairman, West Africa Branch (Chairman Nigeria Chapter), ICS. He adds: “the Institute represents all aspects of the shipping business and includes in its membership not only shipbrokers but ship-owners, charterers, agents, forwarders and other shipping professionals. It is dedicated to the setting and maintenance of the highest standards in international transport and shipping business.”

ICS to help to meet growing demand

The Institute has a long and proud history in the industry. It was established in 1911, incorporated in 1913, received Royal Charter in 1920 and widened its scope of membership to include the Commonwealth and non-British and lastly South Africa. Currently, there are 25 branches globally, with the head office in London. The Institute membership is mainly through examinations and exposure in shipping. There are 14 international teaching centres and over 100 examination centers worldwide with about 4,000 candidates sitting the exams annually.

Captain Samuel says the Nigerian Government’s plans to increase port and terminal activity “is very timely as it would help meet the growing demand and the need for capacity expansion in our ports.” He continues: “we cannot afford the type of congested seaports experienced in the 70s, particularly now that we are thinking of revamping the economy; as part of the process of the economy revamp concessionaires were brought in, we have concessioned the ports to them and they have brought in a level of efficiency into our port management with useful infrastructures installed. The overstretched infrastructural challenges being faced by the concessionaires have to be taken care of.”

ICS at Multimodal West Africa

The ICS West Africa Branch vice chairman explains his vision for the shipping industry: “for shipping to be one of the major contributors to the country’s GDP and continual improved economy at large by having ethically and professionally sound people managing the commercial shipping business while everybody involved in shipping have knowledge of the business through training with the Institute at different levels.”

Captain Samuel adds that he is looking forward to promoting the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers within the region by meeting with and launching into networking with the major transport and logistics industry stakeholders that would be present at the Multimodal West Africa 2017 in Lagos in January. He explains: “capacity building through Institute training would serve as a springboard to improved commercial shipping business. I, therefore, would like to see all organisations represented at the MMWA 2017 partner with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers in the training of their staff at all levels”.

Unique showcasing platform

The upcoming Multimodal West Africa transport and logistics exhibition and conference will offer a unique platform to showcase the latest supply chain solutions and equipment to decision makers from leading cargo owners, importers, and exporters. The event represents all transport modes across every logistics sector including manufacturing, retail, agribusiness, chemical, automotive, food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, recycling and more.

Some of the 2,500 cargo owners, shippers, major importers and exporters already registered to attend include: West African Cotton Company, Zaika Foods Ltd, Procter & Gamble, NASCO Group, Pharmatex, Frigo Glass and Pfizer. More than 80 exhibitors are expected, including freight forwarders, ship owners, shipping lines, ports & terminal operators as well as official government bodies.

Multimodal West Africa is organised by Clarion Events West Africa, the Nigeria office of the Clarion Events Global Group. The same organisers responsible for the widely acclaimed Nigeria Manufacturing & Equipment Expo which took place March in Lagos, attracting more than 2,600 attendees, with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) as event patrons.

With nine years’ experience in the transport and logistics industry, Clarion Events West Africa and the Clarion Events Multimodal portfolio successfully connect cargo owners, shippers, major importers and exporters with freight forwarders, ship owners, shipping lines, ports and terminal operators as well as official government bodies to bring about greater port activity, increase connectivity and display the latest solutions for a slicker supply chain. The portfolio consists of Multimodal, held in London, UK; The Supply Chain & Logistics Summit & Expo, held in Europe; and Multimodal West Africa, held in Lagos, Nigeria.