The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has urged maritime service providers to automate their systems to facilitate seamless integration of the National Single Window.

This is even as the Council has announced that the NSW initiative is nearing its final implementation phase.

According to a statement on Tuesday, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Dr Pius Akutah, made this disclosure during a courtesy visit to the Lekki Deep Seaport.

He noted that President Bola Tinubu has elevated the NSW initiative as a priority, aimed at bringing all critical stakeholders on board.

“The Council is championing automation as a core standard to enhance efficiency and effectiveness across the maritime sector,” Akutah said.

He also cited the Public-Private Partnership model of the Lekki Deep Seaport as a notable success story, underscoring its pivotal role in driving economic growth.

Akutah invited both local and international investors to explore opportunities in the sector, assuring them of the council’s commitment to fostering a predictable and profitable investment environment.

He further encouraged the management of the port to intensify its marketing efforts to highlight the port’s capabilities and Nigeria’s emerging position as a key logistics hub on the African continent.

Akutah commended the port’s leadership for their efforts, acknowledging its potential to become a regional logistics gateway to West Africa.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Lekki Deep Seaport, Mr Wang Qiang, reaffirmed the port’s commitment to operational efficiency, noting its importance in reducing costs for stakeholders.

He also appealed for the Council’s continued support in achieving the port’s strategic objectives.