Shippers’ Council visits CMA CGM, proposes desk offices in shipping lines
By Abimbola Abdullahi
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Emmanuel Jime, has put forward a proposal that a desk officer in shipping companies be appointed to aid smooth interface with the Shippers’ Council.
Jime said this when he led the Agency’s Management on a courtesy visit to CMA CGM Nigeria Shipping Limited in Lagos today (Friday).
He stated that the desk officers would share with NSC challenges facing them in their operations, adding that NSC as Port Economic Regulator wants seamless operations for service providers and their customers.
He commended the company for embracing digitization in its operations, noting that Shippers’ Council was delighted with equipment currently in use by CMA CGM at their facility.
The Council’s helmsman clarified that the NSC is promoting Vehicle Transit Areas (VTAs) and Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) to aid the development of transport infrastructure in the country.
In his response, the Managing Director of CMA CGM, Lionel Odeyer expressed appreciation for the visit by NSC’s Management.
He also attributed deplorable access roads to the ports, congestion and delay experienced in returning empties as challenges facing the business in Nigeria.
Odeyer sought the support and partnership of NSC for sensitization of shippers. He said the development of Lekki Deep Seaport would aid the shipping trade in Nigeria, describing the port as a game- changer.