Vincent Toritseju
Lagos — The Director General of the Niger Shippers Council, NSC, Madam Tchima Mustapha, has said that importers in Niger Republic may consider transiting their cargoes through ports in Lagos if the cost is fair and competitive.
Speaking to Vanguard Maritime Report on the sideline of the commissioning of the Lekki Deep-sea Port in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, Mustapha also said that the rail line from Katsina State in Nigeria to Maradi in Niger Republic has increased the level of commercial activities in the Niger.
The NSC boss also said the relationship between Nigeria and Niger pre-dated the independence of both countries noting that the development of the Lekki Deep-sea Port is good news for both countries.
Moustapha said: “The new port will definitely boost the economic relationship between Niger and Nigeria. I am here to see things for myself and report back to my country and we may consider routing our transit cargoes through this port if the cost is fair enough to attract importers from my country.
“Before now, our major transit route was Cotonou in Benin Republic. We will see if we can divert our transit cargoes to Nigeria because of this new port.
“Although, Nigeria is almost 1000kilometres from Niger but if the pricing is fair, we may consider since it is a modern port.
“The rail line from Kano to Maradi has helped our businessmen in Niger in terms of transportation of goods.”
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