WorldStage– The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged members of the Union of African Shippers’ Councils (UASC) to unite against arbitrary shipping surcharges undermining trade competitiveness in West and Central Africa.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, made the call during the Sub-Regional Seminar and Meeting of UASC Standing Committee No. 1 on African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in Lagos.
The two-day event, holds from Oct. 29 to Oct. 30, drawing delegates from 19 member countries and maritime stakeholders.
The meeting focused on strategies for improving trade readiness under the AfCFTA agreement.
The event is being held under the theme ‘The Readiness of Countries of West and Central Africa in the Implementation of the AfCFTA — The Role of Shippers’ Councils.’
Oyetola, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, called for urgent solutions to port logistics and high shipping costs hindering AfCFTA benefits.
He urged national Shippers’ Councils to act as regulators and defenders of shippers’ interests across the sub-region.
Oyetola said the councils must also ensure transparent shipping practices and equitable freight charges.
He added that effective regulation would reduce trade costs and boost the competitiveness of African exports globally.
Declaring the meeting open, Oyetola reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to implementing the resolutions that would arise from the gathering.
He emphasised that collective action was vital to positioning the sub-region as a strong bloc under AfCFTA.
“Arbitrary surcharges and high freight rates erode competitiveness and burden importers and exporters,” he said.
He urged member states to engage shipping lines constructively to promote fairness and transparency in freight rates.
“Our goal is to build a resilient maritime system that supports sustainable growth,” Oyetola added.
Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr Pius Akutah, said AfCFTA had created reliable information platforms for cross-border shippers.
He described AfCFTA as an ambitious African Union project establishing a single market of 1.4 billion people with a $3 trillion GDP.
Akutah said Shippers’ Councils must act as regulators and advocates to ensure fair competition and efficient goods movement.
He explained that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as port economic regulator, is promoting multimodal transport and Inland Dry Ports to enhance readiness for AfCFTA.
Secretary-General of UASC, Mr Abdurahman Kafiugou, reaffirmed the union’s commitment to fostering cooperation and supporting AfCFTA objectives.
He commended Nigeria and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for advancing regional trade and supporting UASC’s agenda.
Kafiugou described the Lagos meeting as a milestone in strengthening transport and trade cooperation across member states.
He said the forum built on the February 2024 Luanda meeting to harmonise trade practices and improve logistics efficiency.
“These issues are vital to reducing bottlenecks and improving competitiveness,” he said, urging experts to propose actionable recommendations.
Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, represented by controller, Apapa Area command, Emmanuel Oshoba, highlighted the need for sustainable pricing mechanisms in trade.
He said aligning customs procedures with AfCFTA would enhance competitiveness and promote economic integration across Africa.
Director-General of NIMASA, Dr Dayo Mobereola, represented by Director of Shipping, Mrs Nneka Obianyor, said true AfCFTA readiness also required addressing digitalisation and infrastructure challenges.
He noted NIMASA’s efforts to digitalise maritime operations and promote a fully integrated port community system.
Mobereola reaffirmed NIMASA’s commitment to collaboration with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and UASC member countries.
