Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Chairman of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, Governing Board, Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, has called on port service providers to intensify efforts toward positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in the region.
Shema made the call during a courtesy visit by Board Members and top Management team of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, led by the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, to Port Terminal Multi-Services Limited, PTML, and Mediterranean Shipping Company, MSC, in Lagos on Wednesday.
He acknowledged the critical role of port operators in driving economic growth, stressing that sustained collaboration and operational efficiency are essential to achieving Nigeria’s maritime hub ambitions.
He also noted the strategic importance of global shipping players such as Grimaldi in enhancing port capacity and competitiveness.
The NSC Governing Board Chairman assured that the government would continue to create an enabling environment to attract fresh investment and also support existing operators in improving service delivery.
He pointed out that a more efficient and competitive port system would not only benefit operators but would also enhance trade facilitation for shippers, who remain central users of maritime infrastructure across the nation.
In his remarks, Dr. Akutah said that the visit to the shipping companies is for the Governing Board to have a better understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the sector.
He gave assurances that all parties will work continuously together to ensure that the mandate set by the president is achieved.
The NSC Boss commended the companies for their contributions to cargo throughput and service delivery, urging continued investment in infrastructure and technology to boost port efficiency.
He emphasized the need to strengthen transport connectivity in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area, AfCFTA, calling for the removal of bottlenecks hindering seamless regional trade.
The General Manager of PTML, Mr. Babatunde Keshinro highlighted the terminal’s operational capacity, noting its deployment of automated systems to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
He described PTML as a critical node in Nigeria’s cargo handling network.
Similarly, the Managing Director of MSC, Jacob Iosso, welcomed the NSC delegation and reaffirmed the company’s long-standing presence in Nigeria.
He noted that MSC has operated in the country for over 15 years, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy, and expressed readiness to strengthen collaboration with the Council to further develop the maritime sector.
