Deputy National President of NAGAFF (Seaport), Ambassador (Dr) Afam Chukwuma, has stressed the need for greater empowerment in fostering trade and sustainable national development.

Dr Chukwuma who was guest at a stakeholders’ engagement organized by the Congress of Nigeria Maritime Media Practitioners, (CONMMEP) outlined a comprehensive blueprint for revitalizing Nigeria’s trade corridors.

He opined that measures such as immediate policy reforms, infrastructure development, and public-private collaboration, with focus on modernizing port operations, reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks, and embracing digital innovation will always help to reposition the ports for greater efficiency.

The discussion which focused on the significance of boosting trade as a national imperative for job creation, poverty alleviation, and regional competitiveness further buttressed the need for media professionals, maritime stakeholders, policymakers, and development advocates to explore strategic pathways for enhancing the country’s maritime sector.

The event themed “Empowering Trade, Enhancing Growth,” provided an avenue for Dr. Afam Chukwuma, who drawing on his extensive experience in international diplomacy, economic development, and maritime strategy, advocated improved port efficiency, maritime security, and the need for stronger media-government partnership in promoting trade literacy in Nigeria

Meanwhile, CONMMEP has reaffirmed its commitment to advocating policies and narratives that support a thriving maritime economy.

Applauding Dr. Chukwuma for his leadership and vision in promoting national development through trade empowerment, President of CONMMEP, Mr. Udo Onyeka highlighted the importance of such fora in promoting collaboration between stakeholders in the sector and government in its efforts at driving economic growth and advancement in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy space.