Shippers Council Woos Investors For Regional Maritime Hub Status, As Board , Mgt Tour PTML MSC Facilities,
By Roland Ekama
Board members and top management team of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) on Thursday , toured the facilities of Ports and Terminal Multiservice Limited (PTML) and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) Limited as part of measures to promote the marine and blue economy ecosystem.
The visit formed part of the council’s ombudsman and regulatory activities.
In its role as an umpire, the NSC urged shipping lines, terminal operators, and other service providers to invest in the maritime sector to sustain Nigeria’s status as a sub-regional hub.
The high-powered delegation reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to boosting the marine and blue economy.
Speaking on the sidelines of the tour, NSC Chairman, His Excellency Dr. Shehu Shema, called on port service providers to deepen their commitment to transforming Nigeria’s ports into a regional maritime hub.
Accompanied by Executive Secretary/CEO Dr. Pius Akutah and the council’s management team, Dr. Shema acknowledged the contributions of port service providers to the nation’s economy. He highlighted Grimaldi’s capacity to enhance port operations in Nigeria.
The former Governor,Katsina State noted that “Government will partner with service providers because Nigeria has the potential to become a sub-regional hub,” pointing out that “We will continue expanding our scope to attract bigger ships for competitiveness. All hands must be on deck for policy adjustments, and we will do everything possible to remove obstacles to progress.”
Similarly , the Executive Secretary/CEO Dr. Pius Akutah MON expressed delight at the service providers’ activities in cargo shipment to Nigeria.
He called for progressive investments in the port sector and emphasized the importance of transport connectivity under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), urging solutions to impediments in seamless regional trade.
PTML General Manager Mr. Babatunde Keshinro discussed the company’s operational activities, noting that it has adopted automation to improve service delivery and efficiency. He positioned PTML as a key shipment hub in Nigeria.
MSC Managing Director Mr. Jacob Losso appreciated the NSC’s visit. He noted that MSC has operated in Nigeria for over 15 years, making significant contributions to the economy.
Losso affirmed the company’s readiness to collaborate with the government and NSC to advance the maritime sector, adding that MSC has already invested heavily in the Snake Island-based Niger Dock.
The NSC boss further noted that the company has a long term investment in Nigeria noting that partnership between the liner and Nigeria government is already in progress.