COURTSEY VISIT TO THE DEPUTY GOVERNOR OF CROSS RIVER STATE: BRIGHTFLOW CONGLOMERATE AND CILT STAKEHOLDERS Advance COASTAL MARITIME TRADE ACROSS THE GULF OF GUINEA

Strengthening Strategic Partnerships for Regional Maritime Growth and Investment Under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Calabar Branch, DR. ANIE ITON, paid a strategic courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, RT. HON. PETER ODEY in the company of the Honorable Commissioner for Transport, PST. EKPENYONG ENE COBHAM alongside CILT executives, and key stakeholders from the transport and logistics sector across the Eastern Zone. The high-level engagement brought together the CILT Vice President East, the Chairman of CILT Uyo, stakeholders from CILT Cross River State and Akwa Ibom State, alongside respected industry professionals committed to advancing transport development, logistics integration, and maritime trade within the Gulf of Guinea corridor. The courtesy visit served as a strategic platform for constructive discussions centered on promoting coastal maritime trade with littoral countries along the Gulf of Guinea, while strengthening partnerships capable of driving economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable investment opportunities. PROMOTING COASTAL MARITIME TRADE IN THE GULF OF GUINEA As Africa continues to deepen economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), maritime transport and coastal shipping remain critical instruments for facilitating cross-border trade and regional commerce. During the visit, discussions focused on the enormous opportunities available within the maritime and logistics sector, particularly in positioning Cross River State as a strategic gateway for coastal trade and transport connectivity within West and Central Africa. Dr. Anie Iton emphasized the importance of collaboration between government institutions, private sector operators, logistics professionals, and international investors in unlocking the economic potential of the Gulf of Guinea. According to her, the development of efficient coastal maritime systems will significantly improve cargo movement, reduce logistics costs, promote export activities, create employment opportunities, and strengthen regional trade relationships among littoral countries. STRENGTHENING THE MARITIME AND LOGISTICS ECOSYSTEM The delegation highlighted the urgent need for sustainable investments and policy support in critical areas including: • Coastal and inland shipping operations • Maritime infrastructure development • Port modernization and logistics connectivity • Freight forwarding and customs efficiency • Blue economy initiatives • Supply chain and transport management • Regional trade facilitation under AfCFTA • Capacity building within the transport and logistics industry. The stakeholders also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting initiatives that will improve transport systems, encourage industrial growth, and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector within the international market. BUILDING INVESTOR CONFIDENCE THROUGH STRATEGIC ENGAGEMENT The courtesy visit reflects a growing commitment among industry leaders and government stakeholders to create an enabling environment for both national and international investors seeking opportunities within Africa’s emerging maritime economy. With its strategic coastal location and growing commercial potential, Cross River State continues to attract attention as a viable hub for maritime trade, logistics services, and regional supply chain expansion. remains dedicated to promoting innovation, professional excellence, and sustainable partnerships that support economic transformation across the transport and maritime industry. The company believes that stronger collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders will accelerate infrastructure development, strengthen regional connectivity, and position the Gulf of Guinea as a globally competitive trade corridor. A UNIFIED VISION FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH AND REGIONAL INTEGRATION The visit concluded with a shared commitment toward advancing policies and strategic initiatives capable of transforming coastal maritime trade across the Eastern region and the Gulf of Guinea at large. Through continued stakeholder engagement, leadership advocacy, and industry collaboration, Brightflow Conglomerate and CILT stakeholders remain focused on promoting efficient transport systems, sustainable logistics management, and inclusive economic growth for future generations. As regional trade opportunities continue to expand, strategic engagements such as this courtesy visit represent an important step toward building stronger economic partnerships and unlocking the vast maritime potential of Africa. CREATING INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS Brightflow Conglomerate remains committed to supporting policies and partnerships that encourage sustainable investment, innovation, and economic expansion across the maritime and logistics sector. The company’s engagement with government leadership and regional stakeholders demonstrates a proactive approach toward building investor confidence and creating commercially viable opportunities within: • Maritime transport and vessel operations • Freight forwarding and customs brokerage • Port services and terminal management • Warehousing and supply chain solutions • Regional export and import trade • Marine logistics and offshore support services • Transport technology and logistics digitization For investors seeking access to emerging African trade corridors, the Gulf of Guinea presents a high-potential environment driven by increasing regional integration, expanding consumer markets, and improving trade policies under AfCFTA. A SHARED VISION FOR REGIONAL ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION The courtesy visit further reinforced the importance of collaboration between public institutions and private sector stakeholders in driving sustainable economic development. Through strategic leadership, industry advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, Brightflow Conglomerate and CILT leadership continue to champion initiatives capable of strengthening maritime trade, enhancing transport efficiency, and promoting regional prosperity. As Africa moves toward deeper economic integration, coastal maritime trade will remain a powerful catalyst for industrial growth, employment generation, and international investment across the Gulf of Guinea corridor. ABOUT THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORT (CILT) is a globally recognized professional body dedicated to advancing the art and science of logistics, transport, and supply chain management through professional excellence, policy advocacy, and industry development. ABOUT BRIGHTFLOW CONGLOMERATE is a dynamic logistics, maritime, and trade facilitation company committed to delivering innovative transport and supply chain solutions while promoting sustainable economic growth, regional trade integration, and professional excellence within Africa’s maritime industry.