By Kenneth Jukpor
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Hon. Emmanuel Jime has encouraged shipping lines to patronize Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) and Vehicle Transit Areas (VTAs) across the nation.
Jime, who was speaking during his visit to CMA CGM today, stressed the significance of the projects to the nation as well as the benefits to the operations of shipping companies in the nation.
According to the Council’s helmsman, the Council’s vision to promote VTAs and Dry Ports is to aid the development of transport infrastructure in the country.
He, however, put forward a proposal that a Desk Officer in shipping companies be appointed to aid smooth interface with Shippers’ Council.
Jime stated that the desk officers would share with NSC challenges facing them in their operations, adding that NSC as Port Economic Regulator wants seamless operations for service providers and their customers.
He commended the company for embracing digitization in its operations, noting that Shippers’ Council was delighted with equipment currently in use by CMA CGM at their facility.
In his response, the Managing Director of CMA CGM, Lionel Odeyer expressed appreciation for the visit by NSC’s Management.
He also attributed deplorable access roads to the ports, congestion and delay experienced in returning empties as challenges facing the business in Nigeria.
Odeyer sought the support and partnership of NSC for sensitization of shippers. He said the development of Lekki Deep Seaport would aid the shipping trade in Nigeria, describing the port as a game- changer.
This information was disseminated via a press statement issued by the Head of Public Relations at the Council, Mrs. Rakiya Dhikru-Yagboyaju.
