Shippers’ Council Stresses Boosting Trade, Exports In North-East

Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has underscored the importance of effective port regulation as a catalyst for efficiency, transparency, competitiveness  and sustainability within Nigeria’s port system.

Speaking yesterday in Bauchi at an enlightenment seminar themed “Effective Port Economic Regulation: The Key to Unlocking an Efficient and Sustainable Port Regime,” the zonal director, North-East Directorate of the Council, Mr Nanbol  Nanle, described the programme as timely and critical to improving trade facilitation and national economic growth.

Nanle explained that a well-regulated port environment promotes ease of doing business and enhances the efficiency of cargo movement, noting that effective regulation remains a major driver of sustainable port operations.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to protecting the interests of shippers, importers and exporters, on all matters affecting the shipment of cargo to and from Nigeria.

According to him, the Council remains dedicated to enlightening shippers and stakeholders on relevant policies, regulations, and best practices that will enable them to operate efficiently and maximize the gains of ongoing port reforms.

He said the seminar was organised specifically to enlighten importers and exporters in the North-East Zone, particularly in Bauchi State, on the regulatory mandate of the Council within the port system.

Nanle added that the programme was also designed to educate participants on the fundamentals of non-oil exports, while providing insights from the Nigeria Customs Service on cargo clearance and forwarding procedures at the ports.

He disclosed that although significant progress has been recorded toward the establishment of a dry port in Bauchi State, some challenges still persist, especially the need for the Bauchi State Government to fully align with the project and fulfill its obligations to ensure its realisation.

The Zonal Director further explained that the seminar aimed to deepen stakeholders’ understanding of the role of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the port economic regulator, particularly in promoting efficiency and cost-effectiveness within the port system.

“This will enable importers and exporters to carry out their activities more efficiently and at reduced costs,” he said.

Nanle stressed the strategic role of the Nigeria Customs Service in import and export operations, noting that ports are fundamentally customs-controlled environments, making the Service a critical stakeholder in cargo clearance processes.

He also emphasised the value of practical knowledge in export and import activities, explaining that enlightenment programmes such as the seminar expose participants to exportable commodities available in the region, including agricultural produce and solid minerals, as well as the procedures involved in exporting them.

For his part, the chairman, National Association of Gum Arabic Producers, Processors and Exporters of Nigeria (NAGAPPEN), Bauchi State Chapter, Alhaji Bello Inuwa Galloji, described the workshop as timely, enlightening, and critical to the growth of farmers and exporters in the state.

He said that although the workshop was initially expected earlier, its eventual holding would have a significant impact, particularly in educating farmers and exporters on the necessary registrations, certifications, and procedures required before engaging in export activities.

Bello commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for engaging exporters in Bauchi and providing detailed guidance on export processes, noting that the initiative would be especially beneficial to emerging exporters.