The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, has stressed the urgent need for enhanced collaboration and institutional synergy to propel Nigeria's non-oil export growth.
Key Remarks at the Roundtable
Speaking at the National Export Efficiency Stakeholders' Roundtable held in Lagos, Akutah, who was represented by the Director of Strategic Planning and Research, Rotimi Anifowose, called for deeper partnerships among all stakeholders involved in the export value chain.
He noted that the forum was specifically designed to foster constructive engagement, align processes, and develop practical solutions aimed at eliminating bottlenecks that currently hinder the smooth flow of exports.
Commitment to Transparency and Efficiency
Akutah emphasized the Council's unwavering commitment, as the nation's Port Economic Regulator, to promoting transparency, fairness, and efficiency in port and shipping operations. He reiterated that these principles are fundamental to creating a conducive environment for non-oil exports.
On the need for sustainable economic growth, the Director of Special Duties Department, Moses Abere, represented by the Deputy Director of Synergy and Collaboration, Mrs. Austina Ogbonnaya, highlighted the importance of reducing bottlenecks that impede exporters, improving competitiveness, and enhancing efficiency across the maritime value chain.
National Single Window Project
Central to these efforts is the implementation of the National Single Window project, which aims to automate port processes, reduce delays, improve transparency, and promote seamless trade operations. This initiative is expected to significantly boost Nigeria's export efficiency.
Five Critical Pillars for Non-Oil Export Efficiency
The Founder and CEO of Multi-mix Academy, Dr. Obiora Madu, identified five critical pillars essential for non-oil export efficiency: corridor efficiency, port productivity, shipping connectivity, trade documentation, and access to export finance. He also advocated for the establishment of a National Export Logistics Coordination Platform to streamline logistics and coordination.
Panel Session with Key Agencies
The roundtable featured a panel session with representatives from key agencies, including the Nigerian Shippers' Council, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, NACCIMA, the Nigeria Police Force, and NAGAFF. The session provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss challenges and propose actionable solutions.
