The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has said that to harness the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and other international frameworks, there is a need to forge strong partnerships across borders.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Pius Akutah, disclosed this on Friday in Lagos during the 15th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association.

Akutah said that by engaging with global maritime bodies, sharing knowledge, and participating in dialogues that promote mutual growth, the council is positioning Nigeria as a leader within the regional and global maritime community.

He added that the event themed ‘Navigating policy and innovation: Practical pathways to a green future for Nigeria’s maritime sector,’ is both timely and relevant.

Akutah stated that it aligns seamlessly with the mandates, functions, and strategic objectives of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

“To harness the benefits of the AfCFTA and other international frameworks, we must forge strong partnerships across borders. By engaging with global maritime bodies, sharing knowledge, and participating in dialogues that promote mutual growth, the council is positioning Nigeria as a leader within the regional and global maritime community,” he said.

According to him, the council’s active participation in the development and promotion of national and international maritime, trade, and transport frameworks “enables us to adopt best practices, leverage advanced technology, and build resilience against economic and environmental challenges.”

Akutah said policy innovation is essential for sustainability in the maritime sector.

He added that the NSC has been proactive in advocating for regulatory frameworks/reforms that promote environmental responsibility, reduce carbon emissions, and protect marine ecosystems.

The ES mentioned that policies supporting cleaner fuel alternatives, renewable energy investments, and eco-friendly port operations are critical for achieving a green future.

The Shippers Council maintained that its role as the port economic regulator is to set industry standards and encourage practices that align with Nigeria’s environmental commitments.

He highlighted that by working with local, national, and international partners, the council seeks to foster a green maritime economy and instill a culture of sustainability across the industry.

According to him, achieving a sustainable maritime sector demands a comprehensive approach.

Akutah emphasized that the council is committed to driving policies and initiatives that contribute to a resilient, sustainable, and globally competitive maritime sector.

He reiterated that the theme underscores the potential of international cooperation as a catalyst for a revitalized and thriving maritime economy.

Akutah averred that in an increasingly interconnected world, Nigeria’s maritime sector cannot afford to operate in isolation.

“AfCFTA provides a unique platform for enhanced intra-African trade, creating unprecedented opportunities for the Nigerian maritime industry,” Akutah stated.

He said that AfCFTA’s framework allows members to tap into a larger market, facilitating the seamless movement of goods across borders and positioning Nigeria as a vital hub for regional trade.

Akutah said the NSC is actively engaging with AfCFTA initiatives, working to remove non-tariff barriers and streamline regulatory processes that will facilitate smoother, “cost-effective cargo movement across African countries. This collaboration is vital to realizing the potential of AfCFTA and fostering a truly integrated African market.”

Earlier, the president of the Nigerian Maritime Law Association, Funke Agbor, said that the association holds a unique role within the maritime industry.

Agbor stated that the association is committed to promoting a robust legal framework for Nigeria’s maritime sector, advancing legal reforms, and fostering best practices to support sustainable growth and development.

“By providing a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and professional development, we work to ensure that Nigeria’s maritime laws and practices are not only aligned with global standards but also address our unique national challenges,” Agbor said.

“This year, we are particularly focused on critical areas such as enhancing the capacity of our legal and judicial systems in maritime law, encouraging the adoption of forward-thinking policies in line with international conventions, and exploring opportunities within the Blue Economy. Through these efforts, we aim to support Nigeria’s aspirations to become a regional leader in maritime operations and governance,” Agbor added.