The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has revealed that it is willing to work with financial institutions, such as the Bank of Industry (BoI), to investigate credit arrangements that could facilitate shippers’ access to capital and promote infrastructure development.
When representatives from the Abuja Shippers’ Association (ASA) paid a courtesy call to the Council’s Abuja Liaison Office, Dr. Pius Akutah, the executive secretary of the Council, said this.
According to Akutah, complete operationalization of the Baro Inland Port would necessitate considerable dredging, making the project capital-intensive even though it is still a critical asset for decongesting seaports and lowering logistics costs.
The head of the Shippers’ Council added that it is working with the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) to expand cargo transit throughout the nation and upgrade rail transportation infrastructure.
Earlier, Mr. John Ugwu, President of the Abuja Shippers’ Association, listed the main issues facing shippers, pointing out that inadequate road infrastructure and an over-reliance on seaports continue to impede effective cargo movement.
Ugwu emphasized the necessity of a working national rail network and the opening of the Baro Inland Port, claiming that these would greatly lower logistics expenses and facilitate business dealings. He also bemoaned the challenges shippers had in obtaining reasonably priced credit.
Dr. Pauline Osasona, the Deputy Director of the Council’s Abuja Liaison Office, emphasized the advantages of becoming a member of a Shippers’ Association, citing opportunities for networking within the maritime and logistics value chain, effective advocacy, trade facilitation, and capacity building.
She urged shippers to use the opportunity to better engage pertinent government entities and jointly address industry concerns.
