The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has unveiled plans to collaborate with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in a bid to bolster intra-African trade through improved maritime connectivity. The announcement was made by Mr. Pius Akutah, NSC Chief Executive Officer, during a courtesy visit to Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, National AfCFTA Coordinator, in Abuja on Thursday.
The partnership will focus on the Sea Link Project, a strategic initiative designed to enhance trade within Africa by establishing a maritime shipping line among the Joint Development Zone (JDZ) countries—Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Sao Tome and Principe. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce cargo movement costs and boost maritime and trade activities within the JDZ.
“The Sea Link Project will provide cabotage, passenger services, and goods haulage among JDZ countries,” Akutah stated. “Following a successful comprehensive technical and economic feasibility study, the project will ensure duty payment only on goods delivered to ports of final destination, thus streamlining the trade process.”
The project aims to improve the frequency of maritime services between Nigeria and Sao Tome & Principe, which will enhance commerce in the Gulf of Guinea. It will also offer efficient sea transport services, providing exporters and importers with a competitive edge while eliminating the need for cargo trans-shipment in Europe. This is expected to increase trade volume and transportation efficiency within the sub-region, fostering economic growth and development for Nigeria.
In response, AfCFTA national coordinator Mr. Olusegun Awolowo expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the project’s importance for the region. “We are eager to work with the NSC on this initiative,” Awolowo said. “The Sea Link Project aligns with our goal of enhancing Nigeria’s export capabilities and maximizing the benefits of AfCFTA.”
Awolowo proposed additional collaborative opportunities, including the establishment of an AfCFTA desk at major ports. This desk would serve as a resource center for traders, offering guidance on AfCFTA protocols, documentation, and compliance requirements. He also suggested intensifying port sensitisation and awareness campaigns on AfCFTA to further support traders.
Acknowledging the NSC’s support during the inauguration of the Guide Trade Initiative (GTI) under AfCFTA, Awolowo commended their efforts as instrumental to the event’s success. He expressed optimism about the continued collaboration to achieve the shared goal of maximising AfCFTA’s benefits for Nigeria and enhancing trade efficiency.
The partnership between the NSC and AfCFTA is poised to play a crucial role in strengthening maritime trade networks and fostering economic integration across Africa.
