The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has sought a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to bolster Nigeria’s port economy, particularly by strengthening bilateral relations with countries excelling in the blue economy.
Pius Akutah, executive secretary of the NSC, outlined the need for collaboration to position Nigeria as a prominent player in global trade at a visit to Yusuf Tuggar, the minister of foreign affairs, in Abuja.
The NSC head noted that economic diplomacy is crucial to driving Nigeria’s port activities and enhancing global confidence in Nigerian products.
“Our concern actually is to see to the economy of the port, and since the attention of Mr. President is for the port to ensure businesses come in and out of Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, the partnership with the ministry will ensure an “era of economic diplomacy with other countries using the global network of the ministry.”
Akutah said that aligning Nigeria’s maritime policies with international agreements such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), World Trade Organisation (WTO) agreements, and International Maritime Organisation (IMO) conventions would also help its international clout.
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“We are also looking at the role of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the agreements that we have signed. What is the role that we need to start playing as agencies of government in a collaborative manner?,” he said.
The NSC also raised concerns about challenges faced by Nigerian shippers, particularly in key trade markets like China.
“We are thinking that with the [ministry’s] support, we can have a liaison desk in your embassies that supports the Nigerian shippers, especially in countries like China, where a lot of trade activities go on between our people and the Chinese market.”
The NSC is also looking to leverage trade intelligence to resolve disputes between Nigerian shippers and their counterparts globally.
“We want to see how, with trade intelligence, we can be able to navigate dispute resolution between our shippers and other shippers around the world through diplomatic channels.”
He also pointed out the opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s blue economy by fostering partnerships with countries like Canada, which have well-established blue economies. “Today, Nigeria has come into the blue economy. There are countries that have a mature blue economy that we want to partner with,” he stated.
In addition to promoting the blue economy, Akutah pressed on the urgent need for the development of Nigeria’s maritime logistics infrastructure. He warned that without swift action, Nigeria risks losing out in the competitive landscape of AfCFTA.
“If we don’t do something as quickly as possible in terms of developing our infrastructure to the point that Nigeria can become a logistic hub to move connectivity and move goods around Africa, under the context of that agreement, we would have lost out completely,” he cautioned.
Minister Tuggar welcomed the proposal and said the Ministry is commited to working closely with the NSC to advance Nigeria’s trade interests. “We need to work closer with each other. You know, an agency might be under one particular ministry, but it doesn’t mean that we should not work together on the issue of overseas trade support. I am very happy to work with you,” he said.
Tuggar also expressed readiness to collaborate on specific projects, adding, “If you also hear of any opportunity or specific project you would like us to work with you on. Please, don’t hesitate.”
