By Windfall Ayanfeoluwa
As Nigeria charts a daring path towards constructing a $1 trillion economic system, maritime and logistics specialists have warned that the nation’s ambitions could stay elusive with out pressing reform within the sector.
Talking on the Worldwide Chamber of Commerce, ICC, Nigeria submit assembly speak present, with the theme: “Delivery and Maritime Commerce: The Spine of Worldwide Commerce,” held in Lagos Govt Secretary/Chief Govt of Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah, maintained that no industrialisation agenda, export-led development, or financial diversification technique might be sustainably achieved with out a sturdy, environment friendly, and aggressive maritime infrastructure.
Akutah who was represented by Deputy Director, Commerce Providers on the NSC, Ms. Adaora Nwonu, stated: “As Nigeria aspires to construct a $1 trillion economic system, we should acknowledge that no ambition of industrialization, export development, or financial diversification can succeed with out a aggressive maritime and logistics system.
“On the NSC, we’re redefining regulation, not as management, however as empowerment, transparency, and safety. We’re constructing partnerships that help public targets and personal funding. We’re deepening institutional reforms to draw innovation and foster belief. Allow us to subsequently work collectively, throughout authorities, non-public sector, and improvement companions, to construct a delivery and maritime sector that serves not solely Nigeria’s current wants, but in addition its future as a regional chief and world commerce participant.
“In that spirit, I prolong a heat invitation to the ICC Nigeria to contemplate the NSC as a strategic associate. Our shared values round truthful commerce, environment friendly logistics, and personal sector improvement make us pure allies. Collectively, we will construct frameworks that not solely strengthen Nigeria’s commerce ecosystem, however contribute meaningfully to world requirements, resilience, and development.”
In the meantime, Akutah revealed that in 2024 alone, the Council helped in stopping the repatriation of about N52 billion in questionable international change claims by way of its Financial Regulatory Portal, ERP, whilst its intervention led to the restoration of over N2 billion for shippers and cargo homeowners.
He stated: “The Council evaluates freight charges, terminal fees, and demurrage claims to make sure financial reasonableness. In 2024 alone, we helped forestall the repatriation of about N52 billion in questionable international change claims by way of our ERP, thus strengthening the nationwide economic system and selling value predictability.
“Our Different Dispute Decision, ADR, mechanism gives a clear, time-efficient, and non-adversarial platform to resolve complaints between port customers and repair suppliers. In 2024, our intervention led to the restoration of over N2 billion for shippers and cargo homeowners.
“The NSC enforces guidelines to forestall monopoly abuse and defend cargo homeowners, particularly MSMEs, from unfair remedy. We examine complaints, interact stakeholders, and impose mandatory regulatory actions to uphold aggressive market behaviour.”
The submit $1trn economy impossible without competitive maritime, logistics system — Akutah appeared first on Vanguard News.
