Shippers’ Council eyes AfCFTA opportunities, backs Sealink as catalyst for maritime growth

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Sealink Project, describing the initiative as a strategic platform for unlocking opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and positioning Nigeria as a leading maritime and trade hub on the continent.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by a high-level delegation from the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), supported by the European Union (EU) and in partnership with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, at the Council’s headquarters in Lagos.

Dr. Akutah said the Sealink Project aligns with the Federal Government’s drive to enhance trade facilitation, improve regional maritime connectivity and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness under the AfCFTA framework.

He stressed that with its strategic location, expanding port infrastructure and large market, Nigeria is well positioned to emerge as Africa’s preferred trade and logistics hub if key maritime initiatives such as Sealink are successfully implemented.

The NSC boss pledged the Council’s regulatory and institutional support for the project, noting that a dedicated technical team would be constituted to provide guidance throughout its implementation. He also assured the delegation that an appropriate regulatory framework would be developed and reviewed before any concession arrangement is concluded.

While commending the initiative, Dr. Akutah emphasised the need to address critical operational issues that could determine the project’s long-term success. He called for the inclusion of dredging costs in the project’s financial structure, saying navigable waterways remain essential for efficient coastal and inland shipping operations.

He also observed that the existing fleet operating along the proposed corridors may not be sufficient to meet the project’s objectives and advocated the deployment of suitable vessels capable of supporting sustainable commercial operations.

On security, Dr. Akutah underscored the importance of strengthening maritime security, particularly in the Niger Delta, to safeguard vessels, cargo and personnel, describing a secure operating environment as indispensable to investor confidence and uninterrupted trade.

He further advocated the establishment of a robust dispute resolution mechanism to promptly address commercial and regulatory issues that may arise during implementation, saying such a framework would enhance transparency and encourage investment.

Earlier, the NEXIM-led delegation, headed by Mr. Hope Nyongo, formally presented the Sealink Project to the Council and identified the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as a critical institutional partner in its implementation.

According to the delegation, the project, co-funded by the European Union with technical support from the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, is designed to strengthen Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterway transport systems, improve regional trade connectivity and boost intra-African commerce.

The delegation also disclosed plans to collaborate on the rehabilitation and modernisation of Burutu Port as a strategic component of the programme.

The meeting underscored growing collaboration among key stakeholders to accelerate the Sealink Project, which is expected to improve cargo movement, lower logistics costs, expand regional shipping services and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a gateway for trade under the AfCFTA.