Shippers’ Council Advocates Closer Work Relationship With Shipping Companies

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

Hon. Emmanuel Jime, Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (left) addressing Mr. Lionel Odeyer, Managing Director, CMA CGM Nigeria Shipping Ltd

The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Hon. Emmanuel Jime has proposed a work interface through which shipping companies are expected to assign a resident Desk Officer in the Council to internalize cargo smooth operations.

Jime made the proposal when he led the Council’s Management on a courtesy visit to CMA CGM Nigeria Shipping Limited in Lagos today. He stated that the desk officers would share with NSC challenges facing them in their operations, adding that NSC as Port Economic Regulator is determine to speedy up seamless operations for service providers and their customers.

He commended the company for embracing digitization in its operations, noting that the Council is delighted with the array of equipments currently in use at CMA CGM facility. He also explained that the NSC is promoting Vehicle Transit Areas (VTAs) and Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) to aid the development of transport infrastructure in the country.

Group photograph of the Management of Nigerian Shippers’ Council and Management Team of CAM CGM Nigeria Shipping Ltd.

Responding, Managing Director of CMA CGM, Lionel Odeyer expressed appreciation for the visit, and attributed some of the challenges facing shippers to deplorable access roads to the ports, congestion and delay experienced in returning empties to the ports.

While noting that the development of Lekki Deep Seaport is a a game- changer that would aid shipping trade in Nigeria, Odeyer sought the support and partnership of NSC for sensitization of shippers.