Nigeria’s maritime hub vision gains momentum as Shippers’ Council engages operators

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has called on port operators and service providers to intensify efforts towards positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime hub in West and Central Africa.

The call was made by the Chairman of the NSC Governing Board, Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, during a courtesy visit by members of the Board and top management of the Council to Port Terminal Multi-Services Limited (PTML) and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) in Lagos.

Shema underscored the pivotal role of port operators in driving economic growth, stressing that enhanced efficiency, sustained investment, and stronger collaboration across the maritime value chain are critical to achieving the country’s hub aspirations.

“Port operators are central to Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness. Their efficiency and commitment will determine how quickly we can realise our ambition of becoming a regional maritime hub,” he said.

He also highlighted the strategic importance of global shipping lines, noting that major operators play a vital role in strengthening port capacity and boosting Nigeria’s standing in international trade.

The NSC Governing Board Chairman assured stakeholders of continued government support aimed at fostering a business-friendly environment and attracting new investments into the sector.

“We will continue to create an enabling environment that supports both existing operators and new investors, while ensuring improved service delivery across our ports,” Shema added.

He noted that a more competitive and efficient port system would enhance trade facilitation and ultimately benefit shippers, who are the primary users of maritime infrastructure.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Dr. Akutah Pius, said the visit was part of efforts by the Governing Board to gain firsthand insight into operational realities within the sector.

“This engagement provides an opportunity to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing operators, so we can work together to achieve national objectives,” he said.

Akutah commended both PTML and MSC for their contributions to cargo throughput and service delivery, urging them to sustain investments in infrastructure and technology to further improve efficiency.

He also stressed the importance of aligning port operations with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), calling for the removal of bottlenecks that hinder seamless regional trade.

Operators Highlight Capacity Commitment

The General Manager of PTML, Mr. Babatunde Keshinro, highlighted the terminal’s operational capabilities, noting its deployment of automated systems to enhance cargo handling efficiency.

“PTML remains a critical node in Nigeria’s cargo handling network, and we continue to invest in technology to improve service delivery,” he said.

Similarly, the Managing Director of MSC, Mr. Jacob Iosso, reaffirmed the company’s long-standing commitment to Nigeria’s maritime sector.

“We have operated in Nigeria for over 15 years and have consistently contributed to the growth of the economy. We are ready to strengthen collaboration with the Shippers’ Council to further develop the sector,” he stated.

The visit reflects the Council’s broader strategy of strengthening stakeholder engagement as it pushes for a more efficient, competitive, and globally relevant maritime industry.

With increasing focus on infrastructure, technology, and policy alignment, industry players say Nigeria is steadily advancing its ambition to emerge as a dominant maritime hub in the region.