From Anthony Nwachukwu, Lagos
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has requested shipping companies to appoint desk officers at the agency to aid smooth interface with it.
The NSC Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Jime, made the call in Lagos over the weekend when he led the agency’s management on a courtesy visit to CMA CGM Nigeria Shipping Limited in Lagos.
He explained that the desk officers would share their operational challenges with the NSC which, as the port economic regulator wants, seamless operations for service providers and their customers, according to a statement from the agency’s Head, Public Relations, Rakiya Dhikru-Yagboyaju.
He commended the company’s digitisation of its operations, noting that the NSC was delighted with the equipment currently in use at its facility. According to him, the agency is promoting Vehicle Transit Areas (VTAs) and Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) to aid the nation’s transport infrastructure development.
On their part, the Managing Director of CMA CGM, Lionel Odeyer, expressed appreciation for the visit. He also attributed the challenges facing the shipping business in Nigeria to the deplorable access roads to the ports, congestion and delay experienced in returning empties.
Odeyer sought the support and partnership of NSC for sensitisation of shippers, stating that as a game-changer, the development of Lekki Deep Seaport will aid shipping trade in Nigeria.
