NIMAREX Boss Lauds EFCC

The chairperson of the Nigerian Maritime Expo (NIMAREX) Planning Committee, Margaret Onyema-Orakwusi today commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, for its efforts to rid the Nigeria society of economic and financial crimes. Onyema-Orakwusi made this remark Tuesday February 11, 2014 when she paid a courtesy visit to the chairman of the EFCC, Ibrahim Lamorde in his office.

The NIMAREX Expo boss who said her visit was to brief the EFCC chairman on the forthcoming international maritime exhibition and conference scheduled to hold in Lagos between March 10 and 12, 2014, appealed to the Commission to take a stand at the fair to showcase and educate stakeholders on its activities. She said the Commission deserves to have a place at the fair because it has a lot of credibility in the discharge of its duties. “We need them (participants) to be educated. EFCC comes with a lot of credibility. We want you to be visible during the fair. It becomes necessary that we have you on ground during the fair.”

 Onyema-Orakwusi who disclosed that participants at the fair will include both local and foreign investors said investors would be encouraged by an assurance from the EFCC that should anything happen to their investment; there is an organization they can report to and seek justice.

She lamented that despite the fact that Nigeria is a major oil producer, the country loses a lot of money to shipment as it has no shipping line of its own. She said the coming together of various participants at the Expo would enhance growth in the sector and bring about development.

In his response, Lamorde agreed that the maritime industry is critical to the nation’s economic development. He said that the Commission will be at the event to showcase its activities while assuring investors of the safety of their investment. “We are interested in going there. We find it an opportunity to learn and network,” he said.