Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, has reiterated the significance of the maritime industry in driving national development.
Speaking at the 26th Annual General Meeting and Talk of the International Chamber of Commerce, ICC, held in Lagos, the Executive Secretary of NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah, who was represented by Adaora Nwonu, the Deputy Director, Trade Services Division, highlighted the industry’s crucial role in job creation, regional integration, industrial growth, and strengthening Nigeria’s global economic position.
Speaking on the theme “Shipping and Maritime: The Backbone of International Trade”, the NSC boss, reiterated the need to modernize seaports through automation, connectivity, and promotion of Ease of Doing Business which is essential for the industry’s growth.
He noted that NSC effectively regulates tariffs and charges at ports, preventing arbitrary introductions and ensuring a smooth trade process.
Dr. Akutah also outlined the Council’s key interventions, including the development of infrastructure such as Inland Dry Ports and Vehicle Transit Areas. He further mentioned the NSC’s leadership in implementing the National Single Window, NSW, monitoring port performance, and promoting process harmonization through the Nigerian Port Process Manual, NPPM, in collaboration with other MDAs.
The NSC Boss concluded by calling for a strategic synergy with the International Chamber of Commerce to establish Nigeria as a regional trade hub.
