NSC Intensifies Stakeholder Engagement to Drive Port Efficiency and Economic Development
The Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) has strongly reaffirmed that sustained and proactive engagement with port service providers is absolutely critical to unlocking significant development and improving operational efficiency across Nigeria's vital maritime sector. This crucial position was reiterated by the Chairman of the NSC Governing Board, Ibrahim Shehu Shema, during a high-level courtesy visit to CMA CGM in Apapa, which was led by the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Council, Pius Akutah.
Collaboration as a Catalyst for Economic Ambitions
Shema emphasized that port service providers play a pivotal and indispensable role in achieving the Federal Government's ambitious goal of building a robust $1 trillion economy. He stressed that continuous collaboration and partnership among all stakeholders would not only enhance operational efficiency but also attract critical investments necessary for sectoral growth. The Chairman specifically urged terminal operators and shipping companies to prioritize and fast-track the clearance of power sector equipment, issuing a stern warning that unnecessary delays at the ports could severely undermine ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria's electricity supply chain.
According to Shema, efficient port operations are absolutely essential for the timely delivery of major infrastructure projects, particularly in power generation and transmission, where logistics bottlenecks could disrupt project timelines and hinder national development. He further highlighted the urgent need for stronger policy coordination among all maritime stakeholders, noting that improved efficiency would not only boost trade volumes significantly but also substantially increase government revenue through enhanced port activities.
Commendations and Progress in Modernization
In his remarks, Executive Secretary Pius Akutah commended operators for their ongoing modernization efforts, which he said have significantly enhanced cargo handling processes and reduced vessel turnaround time. Akutah added that export volumes are witnessing notable and encouraging growth, with some operators recording impressive increases of up to 30 percent, indicating clear progress toward a more balanced and sustainable trade ecosystem.
Operator Commitments to Digitalization and Investment
Also speaking during the visit, the Managing Director of CMA CGM, Hinelder Ferreira, highlighted the company's unwavering commitment to efficient service delivery through strategic digitalization initiatives. Meanwhile, the Managing Director of APM Terminals, Kamal Alhraishat, pointed to sustained investments and continuous operational upgrades as key drivers of improved performance and competitiveness in the sector.
The NSC delegation also visited APM Terminals as part of its broader assessment of service delivery across the nation's ports, reinforcing the Council's regulatory mandate to actively promote efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness in Nigeria's maritime sector. This comprehensive engagement underscores the NSC's dedication to fostering a collaborative environment that supports economic growth and infrastructure development.
