Speakers
Her Excellency, Amani Abou-Zeid, Comm. for Infrastructure and Energy, African Union Commission
Dr. Amani Abou-Zeid is the twice-elected African Union Commissioner in charge of Infrastructure, Energy & ICT. For more than 30 years, Dr Abou-Zeid has served in leadership positions in international organisations and has amassed a remarkable mix of experience from across continents and stakeholders. She has managed AfDB largest operational portfolio and implemented national and continental multi-sectoral development programmes, including the world’s largest solar power plant.
She launched the Single African Air Transport Market, African Single Energy Market, First African Digital Transformation Strategy as well as 2nd 10-year Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa - thus, delivering on major continental initiatives for African Integration under African Union Agenda 2063. An Egyptian national, Dr Abou-Zeid holds a BSc in Electrical Engineering, Cairo University; MBA, Université Senghor; MPA, Harvard University; and Ph.D. Economic Development, The University of Manchester. Dr. Abou-Zeid sets the example for women in STEM and in leadership positions; She is long named and recognised as champion of gender equality and is often voted one of Africa’s most influential women.
Mr. Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation
Mr. Mustapha began his professional career in the private sector serving in Sotesa Nigeria Limited; Messrs. Onagoruwa & Co, Lagos; Principal Counsel, Messrs. Mustapha & Associates and Principal Partner, Adroit Lex & Co. His zeal to contribute his quota to strengthening the legal profession informed his playing key leadership roles in the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) as Social Secretary, Chairman Yola Branch and member of the Committee on Reform of the Judiciary in Gongola State.
His track record did not go unnoticed as he got appointed into policy and implementation organs of the Federal Government including Executive Member of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund, member of the Constituent Assembly (1988 – 1989) and MD/CEO, National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). Mr. Mustapha was appointed the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) on October 30th 2017 and currently leading Nigeria’s combat against the COVID-19 Pandemic, which has received global acclaim.
Mr. Hassan Bello, Chairman, National Fleet Implementation Committee
Mr. Bello joined the council in 1998 as Deputy Director and Head of Legal Services. He became a Director in the same department, the position he held for many years before his appointment as Executive Secretary/CEO. Before he joined the council, he had worked with Sokoto State Ministry of Justice and the state’s Investment Company Limited where he rose to become Acting Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer.
He is the immediate past Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), and the current Chairman of the National Fleet Implementation Committee.
Mr Adeniran Aderogba, Consultant, Maritime Microfinance Bank
Mr. Adeniran Aderogba is a consultant at the Maritime Microfinance Bank, the Founder of Calag Capital Limited. A consummate professional with over 20 years’ experience, Mr. Adeniran Aderogba has also served as the Executive Director, Administration and Finance at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the apex regulatory institution for Maritime in Nigeria. Other roles previously held by Mr. Adeniran Aderogba include Executive Director, Investment Banking and Treasury in First Atlantic Bank Plc (now part of the First City Monument Bank), where he oversaw Treasury, Investment Banking, Corporate Banking, Private Banking and Collections; Treasurer and Head of Structured Trade Finance at MBC International Bank, then a subsidiary of BNP Paribas (now part of First Bank of Nigeria Plc) and Audit Senior at KPMG (Chartered Accountants). In the course of his career, Mr. Adeniran Aderogba has arranged transaction in excess of US$2 billion across diverse sectors including Telecommunications, Financial Services, Hospitality, Oil and Gas and Infrastructure and booked several landmark, award-winning deals including the Euromoney Trade Finance Deal of the Year.
Mr. Adeniran Aderogba has served the Money Market Association of Nigeria as Secretary General and Vice President and was involved in the introduction of such landmark banking products as NIBOR NIFEX and foreign exchange (FX) two-way quote dealing system in Nigeria. He has attended several courses across the globe, including at the London and Harvard Business Schools and is recipient of several excellence awards. A graduate of the University of Lagos, Mr. Aderogba is a fellow of Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN. Mr. Aderogba is highly supportive of intellectual driven initiatives.
Mrs Nneka Obianyor, Registrar of Ships, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency
Mrs. Obianyor holds a Masters in International Maritime Law from the International Maritime Law Institute in Malta and is a Member of Nigerian Bar Association, International Bar Association, Women in Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA), the Assistant Secretary, Nigerian Maritime Law Association and the Anglophone Secretary, Women in Maritime West and Central Africa (WIMOWCA) amongst her many accomplishments.
She is Nigeria’s Registrar of Ships/Deputy Director, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency. Her leadership role was even more pronounced in 2020 during the Covid-19 Pandemic as she played a crucial role in the drafting of two critical marine notices for her Administration, the notices on Extending Validity for Vessel/Seafarers’ Certificates and Cabotage Registration of Vessels.
Commodore Daniel Atakpa
Commodore Atakpa is a Nigerian Navy officer currently at the Naval Headquarters. His research interests include Hydrography, Blue Economy, Law of the Sea, Maritime Safety Information (MSI), military strategy and geopolitics.
His Excellency Wamkele Mene Secretary-General, AfCFTA Secretariat
Wamkele Mene was elected by the 33rd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of States & Government of the African Union, to the position of Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. Prior to being elected Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, he served as Chief Director: Africa Economic Relations, at the Department of Trade & Industry of South Africa. In this role, he was South Africa’s chief trade negotiator in the AfCFTA and Tripartite FTA negotiations. During his tenure as chief negotiator, South Africa ratified both the AfCFTA and Tripartite FTAs agreements, providing new export markets in fast-growing and dynamic markets in East and West Africa.
Prior to assuming this position, Wamkele was Director: International Trade Law & Investment Law at the Department of Trade & Industry, a role in which he was principal legal counsel on international trade law and international investment law. From 2010 until 2015, Wamkele represented South Africa at the World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland. During his posting to the WTO, Wamkele was elected by over 130 governments to the position of Chairman of the Committee on International Trade in Financial Services, a committee comprising trade negotiators, financial regulators, and financial policy makers from over 160 countries.
Prior to joining the government, Wamkele worked for the law firms Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP in London and Milbank, Tweed, Hadley & McCloy LLP in Hong Kong. Wamkele has written and lectured internationally on international trade law, international investment law, and international business law. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Law) degree from Rhodes University in South Africa, a Master of Arts in International Studies & Diplomacy (with specialization in International Economics) from the School of Oriental & African Studies (SOAS), University of London, and a LL.M. (Master of Laws) in Banking Law & Financial Regulation from the Law Department of the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE).
His Excellency, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi, Honourable Minister of Transport (Nigeria)
Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi is one of the most influential politicians in Nigeria. He is the current Minister of Transportation and also the former governor of Rivers State (2007-2015). He grew up in Diobu, a densely populated area of Port Harcourt. Born 27 May 1965 in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State. He is married to Judith Amaechi and together they have three sons.
He is widely approved as one who improved the general living conditions of the people of Rivers State while he served as Speaker and particularly as Governor.
Mr. Binyah Kesselly, Immediate Past Director General, Liberia Maritime Authority
Mr. Kesselly is a senior business strategist with over 25 years’ experience in multiple sectors, including maritime, aviation, pharmaceutical, biotechnology, management consulting, national security, and healthcare. He is passionate about post-conflict rebuilding and the role of public-private partnerships. Mr. Kesselly currently serves as Senior Director and Strategic Program Lead, Emerging Markets at the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) Supply Chain Organization. In this cross-functional role, he provides strategic guidance to complex and transformative ideas that shape the way J&J Supply Chain Organization does business and engages its customers and external partners within Emerging Markets. Prior to his current position, Mr. Kesselly served as the Commissioner/CEO of the Liberia Maritime Authority for eight years. In this role, he was responsible for transforming and ensuring the sustainable growth of the world’s second largest maritime program. During his tenure of service with the Liberian Government, Mr. Kesselly also held several concomitant senior leadership positions at various times, including Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Liberian Seaport Authority, and Chairman of the Liberian Airport Authority (LAA).
While serving as LAA Chairman, Mr. Kesselly led the stabilization efforts of Liberia’s aviation sector during the Ebola crisis. Before joining the Liberian Government, Mr. Kesselly worked at J&J, where he held several leadership positions of increasing responsibility at multiple J&J affiliates. Prior to joining J&J, Mr. Kesselly was a Senior Consultant with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC. Mr. Kesselly is a Six Sigma Certified Process Improvement Expert, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology degree from Cuttington University in Liberia, a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Suffolk University in Boston, Massachusetts, a Master of Laws in International Commercial Law and Practice from the University of Edinburgh in Edinburgh, Scotland in the United Kingdom, and Advanced Executive Certificates from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois.
Commander Tsietsi Mokhele
Commander Tsietsi Mokhele is the Chairperson of the Maritime Heritage Institute (MHI) and immediate past Chief Executive Officer of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (2008 – 2016). In 1993/1994 he was appointed as the Co-Chairperson of the Navy Integration Work Group at the Joint Military Co-ordination Committee (JMCC).As the Co-chairperson, Commander Mokhele was charged with not only representing the interests of the ANC but also to co-design a new Naval Organization which would be capable of serving the democratic government of the day and uphold the democratic constitution in South Africa. For that role he played within the JMCC he is a proud recipient of the Commendation of the Chief of the Navy. Commander Mokhele has been driving strategic initiatives to make South Africa a leading maritime nation and an International Maritime Services Centre, with a focus on building a national merchant fleet, coastal shipping services, and maritime-linked industrial development, using the sector to create jobs and integrate South Africa and the African transport network into global maritime logistics systems for increased trade.
Given Commander’s leadership, the maritime industry has been recognised as an important economic sector under Operation Phakisa which is an Economic Transformation Programme methodology launched in 2014 by President Jacob Zuma. Commander Mokhele was also very instrumental in the acquisition of South Africa’s first dedicated training vessel, the SA Agulhas, which is among the five (5) dedicated training vessels in the world in order to train South Africa’s Sea Cadets. Commander Mokhele has received many honours and awards. Outside of the maritime industry, Commander Mokhele is very involved in the development of hi community in the Vaal area in Gauteng. A cursory scan of his past include serving the liberation movement – ANC and MK, as a freedom fighter, serving time in detention, underground and in exile where he lived, stayed and served in a countless number of countries, including Tanzania where he served in various roles and military camps, including as Second Officer in Command and later as Officer in Command at Mgagao and Kidete Military Camp, respectively. He is particularly proud of the roles in Tanzania since they coincided with the return of MK soldiers to South Africa. The period of 1989 – 1993 were dedicated to transforming the MK force from predominantly guerilla formations to regular force disciplines.
Mr Raymond Temisan Omatseye
Mr. Raymond Teminsanren Omatseye was the Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) from July 2009 to December. He obtained a first degree in Law and a Masters in Law from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, and London School of Economics (LSE), both in the United Kingdom. Mr. Omatseye is the Chief Executive Officer of Polmaz Limited, a leading shipping company he started in 1993. As the nation’s maritime administrator, Omatseye supported and worked towards empowering Nigerian shipowners.
He is a man very passionate about the maritime industry, he has been involved in several struggles including the implementation of the Cabotage Act, Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund, lopsidedness in contract approval to the detriment of local shipping operators to mention but a few, all for altruistic motive. He is married with three children; he is a keen golfer and also enjoys reading and travelling.
Commodore Duja Emmanuel Effedua (Rtd.)
Duja Emmanuel Effedua is a retired Commodore from the Nigerian Navy and the current Rector at the Maritime Academy of Nigeria..
Rear Admiral Francis Akpan (Rtd.)
Rear Admiral Francis D. Akpan (Rtd.) is the Managing Director of Fradan Iquoson Services Limited. He is a retired naval officer having served as a Directing Staff at Armed Forces Command & Staff College and the National Defence College. He has also served as a Defence Adviser to South Africa, a Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command and Naval Training Command of the Nigerian Navy (NN), amongst others.
As a renowned researcher and speaker, he has addressed audiences across Africa and Europe, championing conversations on maritime security and strategy alongside the improvement of the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Navy. As a multiple-award recipient, as well as consultant for various organisations within and outside the naval ecosystem, the author is an alumnus of the University of Ibadan where he obtained a Master of Science degree in Strategic Studies.
Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba (Rtd.)
Vice Admiral Dele Joseph Ezeoba (Rtd.), former Chief of Naval Staff holds an M.Sc in Strategic Studies and International Relations from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria and his military career began at the Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna. He also attended the Britannia Royal Naval College Dartmouth UK, INS Venduruthy Kocki, India, Armed Forces Command and Staff College Jaji-Nigeria, The US Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, USA and the National Defence College, Abuja amongst other military institutions. Dele has held several command appointments in the Nigerian Navy which include commanding officer NNS YOLA, NNS BRASS and NNS EKPE during the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG) operations in Liberia and Sierra Leone.
He also held several training and administrative appointments such as the Commanding Officer of the Nigeria Navy premier training institution; NNS QUORRA. He was also the Command Operations Officer Eastern Naval Command and Principal Staff Officer Administration, Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC) Jaji, Nigeria amongst other appointments. His exceptional abilities culminated in his appointment as the Chief of Training and Operations, Naval Headquarters. Thereafter, he became the Deputy Commandant AFCSC Nigeria-Jaji and subsequently the chief of Defence Administration, Defence Headquaters, Abuja. He took over command of the Nigerian Navy as Chief of Naval Staff on October 8, 2012 and retired January 16, 2014..
High Chief Dr. Mkgeorge O. Onyung, Md, Fagp
Has over 30 year’s experience in diversified fields in both marine transportation, Industrial Fishing and the down-stream/up-stream sectors of the Nigerian Petroleum Industry. High Chief Dr. Onyung is a renowned University of lbadan (UCH) trained Physician, General Practitioner, Consultant Enzymologist. A Technologist, Fisherman, Officer Gentleman, Shipowner and an indefatigable Maritime / Oil & Gas Entrepreneur that has devoted a great part of his life to the development of the Nigerian economy. Dr. Onyung retired from the Nigerian Army Medical Corps (Direct Short Service Commission) as a Substantive Major in 1982 and bagged the Head of State’s Service Medal during the O.A.U – now AU (African Union) Peace keeping mission in Chad in 1981. He also served as commanding Officer 23 Brigade Field Ambulance in 1980. He is Chairman, Founder and Co-Founder of a wide range of companies and organizations including but not limited to Jevkon Oil & Gas Ltd, Nokoy (Fisheries) Investment Ltd. Epxon Oil Producing Ltd., Capricorn Maritime Co. Limited, St. Eve Concept Limited, White Cross Hospital Ltd, Jevkon Inc, USA.
From 1986 – 1996, Dr. Onyung operated 6 US built Shrimp /Fishing Trawlers within Nigerian, Gabon and Benin Republic territorial waters exporting tons of on-board processed Atlantic-Gold Brand Shrimps to Europe & USA. He had since 1990 diversified into downstream oil tanker operations owning and operating a fleet of 5 Oil tankers (single hull) in the past, but now a New-build double Hull MT. BREAKTHROUGH. Dr. Onyung holds various Advanced Senior Management Certificates in Leadership, Global Strategy and Entrepreneurship from the world renowned Sloan Business School, Massachusetts Institute of Technology(MIT) Boston, USA. Dr. Onyung is a member of the World Ocean Council (WOC). High Chief Dr. Mkgeorge Onyung is currently the President of Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (SOAN). Dr. Onyung is also a Fellow of Association of General Medical Practitioners. (FAGP). He is a Veteran Golfer, enjoys traveling, swimming and happily married and Blessed with Six Children..
H. E. Godwin Obaseki
Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki is a Nigerian politician and businessman, who is currently the Governor of Edo State. Mr. Obaseki was born on the 1st of July, 1957, in Benin city into a descendant of the famously illustrious Obaseki family in Edo State, Nigeria. He graduated from the University of Ibadan, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics. Obaseki then went to New York, United States, where he studied at Pace University and Columbia University. He earned himself a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. Obaseki then went to New York, United States, where he studied at Pace University and Columbia University. He earned himself a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. Obaseki is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stock Brokers, Nigeria and an Alumnus of the Lagos Business School Chief Executive Program. At the 2001 World Economic Forum, he was nominated to be a Global Leader for Tomorrow.
Obaseki is the founding secretary (1992) of a US-based Africa Chamber of Commerce. He was also a Director of Junior Achievement of Nigeria – the local affiliate of international Not For Profit Organisation. Godwin had served as the chairperson of the Economic and Strategy Team of Edo State Government from March 2009 to September 2016. Before that, he was a member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange Council from 2006 to 2009. Other organizations he had worked with include Seric Impianti International Ltd., Dorman Long Engineering Ltd., Junior Achievement of Nigeria, Pillar Oil Ltd., and many others. Obaseki was elected as the Governor of Edo State and has enacted projects to make the state an investment hub. Such projects include: The Benin River Port Project (Gelegele Seaport), The Benin Industrial Park, Modular Refinery Project, Technology hubs and Edojobs..
Princess Victoria Ayodele Haastrup
Princess Victoria Ayodele Haastrup, a co-founder, is the Executive Vice-Chairman, and a significant shareholder of ENL Consortium Ltd, the entity that manage the operations of the Terminals C&D of the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa. She is also the Chairman, Sea Ports Terminal Operators’ Association of Nigeria (STOAN), an umbrella body that comprises key operators of the sea port terminals in Nigeria. A very active and prominent player in the Maritime Sector in Nigeria. Princess Haastrup, is an graduate of Business Management from the then Holborn College London.
She also studied in the London Business School; London Corporate Training Centre; and Pitman Central College, London of higher learning where she took professional courses. Prior to joining ENL, she served the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) meritoriously for 23 years, rising through the ranks to attain the position of Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Petroleum & Energy..
Mrs. Funke Agbor, SAN
Mrs. Funke Agbor, SAN who is the President, Nigerian maritime law Association, Mining Association of Nigeria, leads the Shipping and Dispute Resolution Group of Dentons ACAS-Law and has been described as an extremely skilled litigator. With 37 years as a dispute resolution lawyer her well regarded measured and calm approach to the dispute process is key to her achieving the best commercial outcomes for her clients. Funke is also recognized for her expertise in maritime law, with the Legal 500 in 2020 and 2021 naming her to the Hall of Fame – Shipping and Transport category. Funke has acted in complex, sensitive and commercial disputes across a broad range of sectors typically on behalf of private sector clients and on occasion for government agencies particularly in relation to law and policy issues. Examples include commercial disputes involving financial services, labour and employment, real estate, oil and gas, general and marine insurance, offshore contracting, sale and purchase of vessels, shipping and admiralty, international trade, transport and port concessioning.
She has successfully defended a potential class action on behalf of a multinational and has acted as counsel in a number of arbitrations as well as a mediator. Funke has written and presented several legal articles on maritime law and arbitration and related areas of law and has served as a resource person for the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies and the Annual Maritime Seminar for Judges. She is a Member, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA); Member, International Bar association; Chair, Maritime Committee of the Section on Business Law of the NBA; Member, Arbitration and Maritime Committees, International Bar Association; President, Nigerian Maritime Law Association; Member, Institute of Construction Industry Arbitrators; Member, International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria Commission; Member, Judicial Relations Committee NBA Lagos Branch; Past President Women’s international Shipping Association Nigeria; Trustee Women’s International Shipping Association Nigeria; Member, Standing Committee of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC); Paris, International Centre for ADR; Trustee, Commercial Disputes (Best Practices) Legal Network..
Ms. Lara Lana
Ms. Lana is the first female, Nigerian Country Manager for Maersk. Ms. Lana has been with A.P. Moller-Maersk since 2002 where she has held various positions in West Africa and the United Kingdom for Maersk, Maersk Logistics/Damco and Safmarine. She will continue in her role as Central West Africa Area Safmarine Manager, a position she was appointed to in 2013. She will be responsible for the business planning and execution for Maersk in Nigeria through optimization of company’s product portfolio and improved customer satisfaction..
Ms. Funmi Folorunso
She is a lawyer, the Secretary General of African Shipowners Associationand the Nigeria Champion of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Dr. Bashir Yusuf Jamoh
Bashir Yusuf Jamoh (Ph.D), the Director General, NIMASA has over 29 years of public service experience. He had served in the Kaduna State Government before transferring his services to the then National Maritime Authority (NMA) in 1994. Dr. Jamoh was until this appointment the Executive Director, Finance & Administration in NIMASA. Prior to that, he was the Assistant Director in NIMASA in charge of Training and Development. He had the privileged experience of serving not only in executive management, but also in the operations and administrative departments in NIMASA at management level.
Dr. Jamoh holds a Ph.D in Logistics and Transport Management from the University of Port Harcourt, a Master’s degree in Management from the Korea Maritime and Ocean University in South Korea, an Advanced Diploma in Management from the Bayero University Kano, a Professional Certificate in Materials Management from the Institute of Logistics in the UK and a Diploma in Accounting from the Ahmadu Bello University Zaria. He has attended management courses at the Said Business School, Oxford University, UK as well as the Institute of Public Partnerships in Washington DC, USA. Dr. Jamoh also holds membership of several professional Associations including the Chartered Institute of Transport and Logistics, Chartered Institute of Administration of Nigeria and Institute of Maritime Economists (Canada).
Mr. Emmanuel Lyambee Jime
Mr. Emmanuel Lyambee Jime is the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law. Mr. Jime has served previously as Managing Director at the Nigeria Export Processing Zone Authority (NEPZA), as a two-term member of the House of Representatives representing Makurdi/Guma Federal constituency in Benue State between 2007 and 2015, and Speaker of the State House of Assembly from 1992 to 1993. He was born on the day 20th of June, 1962 to the family of Pa Jime Tsav of Anter in Mbalagh Council Ward of Makurdi Local Government Area, Benue State. He is a grduate from the famous Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he studied law from 1980 to 1983 obtaining an LLB. On graduation he moved on to the Nigerian Law School, Lagos from 1983 to 1984; he obtained a BL and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1984. Emmanuel Jime is married and blessed with three kids.
Mr. Mohammed Bello-Koko
Mohammed Bello-Koko whom is the Acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority was born on the 25th March 1969 in Koko-Besse Local Government area of Kebbi State. He attended the Federal Government Collage, Sokoto for his Secondary education in 1986 before proceeding to the University of Sokoto for his first degree in Management Studies (B.Sc) in 1992. Mohammed continued at the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto for his Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) in 1995. Mr. Bello-Koko started his career with FSB International Bank Plc, Port Harcourt from 1996 to 2004 as Executive Trainee-Banking Operations. He rose to several positions amongst which are Banking Officer-Credit and later Senior Banking Officer-Senior Treasury Officer, Senior Banking Officer-Energy Sector (ENSEC) in charge of managing various oil & gas related multinational accounts and sub-contractors.
He was Assistant Manager (Credit & Marketing) where he was Head, branch credit risk analyst, and later became Deputy Manager-Branch Manager/Marketing in charge of initiating, processing and monitoring of good quality risk assets, management of existing accounts and providing leadership Training. He then joined Zenith Bank Plc in 2005 as a Manager-Team Head, Public Sector and Large Corporate. There again he rose to the positions of Senior Manager- Head Public, Assistant General Manager/Zonal Head and Deputy General Manager and Zonal Head. As a result of his leadership and contributions to the bank, his branches received several awards. At various time between 2009-2015, Mohammed Bello-Koko was also named the Best Staff in Income (Revenue) Deposit Mobilization (S-S) from 2009-2015. Bello-Koko is a member of Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) and the Institute of Strategic Management, Nigeria (ISMN). He has attended various causes at renowned International Institution and Training Centers.
Engr. Greg Ogbeifun
Engr. Greg U. Ogbeifun is the Managing Director/CEO of Starzs Marine and Engineering Ltd. He is also the Chairman of Starzs Investments Company Limited (SICL), a marine logistics company whose activities include: ownership, operation, management and maintenance of vessels and the Managing Director/CEO of Starzs Marine and Engineering Limited (SMEL), the first privately owned indigenous ship repair yard in Nigeria in operation since the year 2000. He is a qualified Marine Engineer with First Class (Combined) Certificate of Competency, a member of the British Society of Marine Consultants and Ship Surveyors, the American Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers, the Institute of Directors (IoD) as well as the Pioneer President of the Shipowners Association of Nigeria (SOAN).
He also sits as a member of the Advisory Board of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC). His companies have built a strong reputation in the Nigerian Maritime Industry by guaranteeing excellent service delivery, zero unscheduled down time and zero lost time injury. He has received many awards which include ‘Immense Contributor to Manpower Development’ in 2006 by the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron. ‘Trailblazer’ in 2016 by the All-African Students Union in recognition of his contribution to the welfare of students across West Africa and ‘Manager of the Year’ by the Europe Business Assembly in 2016. He has presented many papers within and outside Nigeria on crucial maritime issues. Despite the demands of his professional life, Mr. Ogbeifun is a family-oriented man and always finds time to bond with his wife Victoria and eight children, out of which two are already mariners.
Mrs. Margaret Orakwusi
Mrs. Margaret Onyema- Orakwusi is a lawyer and businesswoman. She is an active player with strong influence in the maritime sector of the Nigerian economy. She is the founder and chief executive officer of the Morbod Group. She was the first female president, Nigerian Trawler Owners Association (NITOA). She is also on the board of Nigerian Shippers Council and chairman, Ship Owners Forum. Mrs Orakwusi is a maritime consultant and public speaker, one of the founding partners of Consolidated Legal practice. She is a foremost maritime lawyer and has handled a wide variety of admiralty and maritime cases, including cargo claims, collision, limitation of liability, personal injury, salvage, marine liability, vessel arrests, seamen and longshoreman injuries, various types of liens, warranty issues, vessel mortgage and documentation, salvage, vessel fires and vessel repair disputes. She is the Chairman of Nigerian Ship Owners Forum.
She has proven without any doubts that there are no differences between a man and a woman in the legal profession. Mrs. Margaret Orakwusi believes that when a woman rises above the sentiments of background, custom, tradition and those things which have been put in place to limit the efforts of women, she begins to rise and see herself as a human being created by God; having same right, brain and functions like the male, she excels.
Mr. Aminu Umar
Aminu Umar holds a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from the University of Maiduguri. Mr Umar has over 19 years of experience in the Nigerian Shipping Industry. He worked as an Accountant with the Upper Benue River Basin Development Authority. He joined OAN Overseas Agency Nig Ltd in 1992 as an Accountant and later rose to the position of the Managing Director from 2001 – 2007, where he acquired diverse experience in the maritime industry. He attended several courses at Cambridge Academy of Transport in the United Kingdom and United Arab Emirates (UAE). He is also Director as well as the Managing Director of Sea Transport Services Nig Ltd. Mr Aminu Umar also has tremendous wealth of experience in Ship Management, Ship Chartering and brokerage services. Under his leadership and management, SEATRANSPORT SERVICES NIGERIA LIMITED has become the biggest Ship Chartering and Brokerage firm in Nigeria. His great management and leadership skills and expertise in the shipping industry is the driving force for the growth and development of SEATRANSPORT SERVICES from 2008 to date..
Mr. Emeka Akabogu
Mr. Akabogu is a widely recognized expert in the field of maritime law and policy in Nigeria and leads the resourceful and enterprising team at Akabogu & Associates. He holds a law degree from the University of Lagos and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2000. He also holds a Masters degree with a specialization in Maritime Laws from the University College London. He has researched and represented clients in related and cross-cutting fields of law including maritime, shipping, international trade, energy, logistics, aviation, and intellectual property. He brings a robust, incisive, and problem-solving perspective to client challenges, setting the tone for the firm’s service delivery. Mr. Akabogu has sat on various industry and government committees on maritime policy and shipping development and is a regular speaker at seminars and conferences.
His book, ‘Maritime Cabotage in Nigeria’, was the first published work on the subject in Nigeria and is in addition to numerous other published articles. Mr. Akabogu is the Convener of the globally acclaimed OTL Africa Downstream Expo, which has become the principal downstream petroleum event in Africa. He regularly resorts to his broad industry knowledge and networks in solving diverse legal problems. He is a recipient of the prestigious British Chevening Scholarship, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Shipping, and the publisher of the niche-market industry-leading magazine, Marine & Petroleum Nigeria. He serves on the Executive Council of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association as Publicity Secretary. Professional Associations: Nigerian Bar Association, International Bar Association, Nigerian Maritime Law Association, Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria, Chartered Institute of Shipping, Indigenous Ship Owners Association of Nigeria (Associate Member), and London Shipping Law Centre.
Mrs Mfon Usoro
Mrs Mfon Usoro, an internationally acclaimed expert in transport laws and project finance is the Managing Partner of the firm, Paul Usoro & Co. Her deep knowledge of transaction and commercial practice makes her highly recommended by both domestic and international organisations. She leads the firm’s team in maritime, aviation, project finance and energy matters actively participating in complex domestic and cross-border transactions. Under her supervision, the firm’s transaction team provides first-in-class legal advisory services to satisfied clients in the private and public sectors cutting across diverse areas. She has lead many counsels in several financing transaction. With her vast experience in legislative drafting and advocacy, Mfon has drafted several landmark maritime legislation and regulations such as the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act, 2007 (NIMASA Act), the Council for the Regulation of Freight and Forwarding in Nigeria Act N0. 16 of 2007, the Coastal and Inland Shipping (Cabotage) Act No; 5 2003 and their subsidiary legislation thereof. In all the legislation, she worked closely with the Nigerian National Assembly and industry stakeholders through the various stages of conceptualisation, stakeholders’ consultations, drafting and defence of the bills until passage into laws.
Acting at different times for the Bureau of Public Enterprises, the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Transport, Mfon drafted all the port reforms bills currently before the National Assembly. Beyond her expertise and experience in handling complex transactions, Mfon has distinguished herself in public service. As a pioneer Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), she set the administrative landscape of the Agency in motion; in compliance with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act 2007 drafted by PUC prior to her appointment. She has also served on various Presidential and ministerial committees and has several policies, statutes and regulations to her credit, most of which were instrumental to landmark reforms and the establishment of various government agencies on diverse sectors. She is currently the Secretary General of the West and Central Africa Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control. Her wealth of experience and unparalleled contributions to the development of the maritime industry, especially in West and Central Africa has earned her several recognitions and award. Notable among them are the conferment of the title “Officier de L’ordre de Mono” by the Republic of Togo, Maritime Organisation of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) Maritime Excellence Award as MOWCA Expert, WISTA International Personality of the Year 2011 by Women International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) and Maritime Award of Excellence by the WISTA Nigeria..
