The Chairman of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Governing Board, Shehu Shema, has urged 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 members of the NSC Governing Board and top management team, led by the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Akutah Pius, to Port Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) and Mediterranean Shipping Company in Lagos on Wednesday.
He acknowledged the critical role of port operators in driving economic growth, stressing that sustained collaboration and improved operational efficiency are essential to achieving Nigeria’s maritime hub ambitions. He also highlighted the strategic importance of global shipping players such as Grimaldi Group in enhancing port capacity and competitiveness.
The NSC Governing Board Chairman assured stakeholders that the government would continue to create an enabling environment to attract fresh investments while supporting existing operators in improving service delivery. According to him, a more efficient and competitive port system would not only benefit operators but also enhance trade facilitation for shippers, who are central to the nation’s maritime value chain.
In his remarks, Akutah said the visit was aimed at providing the Governing Board with deeper insight into the challenges and opportunities within the sector.
He assured that all stakeholders would continue to work collaboratively to achieve the mandate set by the President.
The NSC boss commended the companies for their contributions to cargo throughput and service delivery, urging sustained investment in infrastructure and technology to further boost port efficiency. He also 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.
Earlier, the General Manager of PTML, Babatunde Keshinro, highlighted the terminal’s operational capacity, noting the 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 economy, and expressed readiness to strengthen collaboration with the Council to further develop the maritime sector.
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