The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has highlighted the critical role of its trade facilitation efforts and Complaints Handling Mechanism.
Speaking at the just concluded non-oil export summit in Lagos, NSC Deputy Director, Trade Services, Adaora Nwonu, disclosed that the Council had saved the nation N6billion, resolves several disputes related to shipping, help businesses recover billions of naira that could have been lost due to inefficiencies.
Nwonu described the Council’s role as essential in fostering a more streamlined and cost-effective export process for Nigerian businesses, especially in non-oil sectors.
Nwonu said: “The Non-Oil Export Summit provid a platform for the Council to highlight the significance of the Complaints Handling Mechanism in enhancing export operations. To date, this initiative has saved Nigeria over N6 billion,” adding that the Council remains committed to strengthening the nation’s export capabilities.
The Summit, themed ‘Non-Oil Export – The Past, The Present and The Future’, also addressed pressing issues affecting the export sector.
Nwonu raised concerns about the high shipping costs that exporters face, particularly within the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). She called for more strategic actions to improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in the region.
Providus Bank, represented by Chief Risk Officer, Mr. Olugbile Erinwusi, the Bank’s Managing Director and CEO, Walter Akpani, reiterated Providus Bank’s commitment to creating a sustainable, export-driven economy.
Erinwusi explained that the bank’s involvement in the Summit is part of its broader strategy to collaborate with stakeholders across key industries such as agribusiness, mining, metals, and African fashion, all of which are crucial to Nigeria’s non-oil export potential.
In his remarks, Executive Director and CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nonye Ayeni, emphasized the growing importance of non-oil exports in driving Nigeria’s economic diversification. According to Ayeni, non-oil exports, particularly in agriculture and small and medium enterprises (SMEs), have the potential to surpass the revenues generated from oil.
Ajibola Odusanya, Area Controller Export Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, echoed these sentiments, highlighting new measures aimed at simplifying export processes. He pointed out that 99% of exports are now exempt from customs duties, and the introduction of electronic systems has significantly reduced port congestion, boosting export efficiency.
