By Steve Agbota
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) is pushing for the swift clearance and delivery of power project cargo at the nation’s seaports to support ongoing investments in Nigeria’s electricity value chain and ultimately drive economic growth.
The call was a key focus during a working visit by the NSC Board, led by its Chairman, Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema, and the Executive Secretary, Dr Pius Akutah, to major operators, including CMA CGM and APM Terminals, at the Lagos Port.
Speaking during the visit, Shema underscored the critical role of efficient port operations in the timely execution of national infrastructure projects, particularly in the power sector.
He urged all stakeholders across the maritime value chain including terminal operators, shipping companies, and contractors to give priority attention to the handling of equipment for power generation, transmission, and distribution.
He stressed that the Federal Government’s commitment to improving electricity supply could be undermined by delays in cargo clearance, noting that the timely delivery of such equipment is essential to meeting project timelines.
“Everything should be done to speed up the process of how the goods come into the country and how fast they are delivered to project sites. This is crucial to ensuring that power projects are completed on schedule,” he said.
The NSC Board Chairman also highlighted the need for coordinated policies to deepen collaboration among maritime stakeholders, adding that improved port efficiency would not only aid power projects but also boost trade volumes and national revenue.
He further emphasised the importance of dredging port channels to accommodate larger vessels, a move he said would enhance cargo capacity and strengthen Nigeria’s position in global maritime trade.
In his remarks, Akutah commended operators for ongoing modernisation efforts, noting that the adoption of digital technologies is already improving cargo handling efficiency and vessel turnaround time.
He assured that the Council would sustain its oversight role to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, while also encouraging increased investment in port infrastructure.
Akutah revealed that export volumes are on the rise, with some operators recording increases of up to 30 per cent, expressing optimism about Nigeria’s gradual shift towards a more balanced trade profile.
He added that proposed investments, including a $600 million upgrade plan by APM Terminals, signal growing investor confidence in the sector.
The Managing Director of APM Terminals, Kamal Alhraishat, reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to Nigeria, noting that its investments in digitisation and port modernisation have significantly enhanced operational efficiency.
He, however, urged the Federal Government to fast-track dredging of the terminal’s 13.5-metre draft to enable the reception of larger vessels and further improve capacity.
Similarly, Managing Director of CMA CGM Nigeria, Hinelder Ferreira, reiterated the company’s strong partnership with the NSC, highlighting its fully digitised processes aimed at ensuring seamless cargo handling and faster turnaround time.
On tariff adjustments, Ferreira explained that inflationary pressures have increased operational costs, necessitating price reviews.
He, however, called for wider stakeholder consultations to ensure a smooth and balanced implementation.
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