NSC expresses commitment to actualization of sealink project

By Matthew Eloyi

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the completion of the country’s sealink project.

The NSC’s Executive Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Jime, said this when the Chairperson, Sealink Transnational Company, Mrs Dabney Shall-Holma, led a team to visit him on Friday in Abuja.

The NSC, according to Jime, has a mandate to protect shippers and make it easier for them to do business in the country.

As a result, he stated that the council would do all possible to assist the committee in completing the sealink project.

The sealink, according to Jime, was established to close the infrastructure deficit in the nation’s maritime sector.

In his words, “There is no way that any nation can be effective in its trade unless there is connectivity through the waterways.

“I will like to commend the vision of those who initiated this project.

“Advocacy is our responsibility here at the shippers’ council and this has to do with the fact that the council is essentially to protect shippers.

“But we are also in the position to engage in the kind of activity that ultimately benefits them. Advocacy is what we are going to do in partnership with you.”

He reaffirmed the need for Nigeria to own its vessel, saying that it would promote the ability of Nigerian shippers to take advantage of the infrastructure (sealink) that would be developed.

On the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFA ), Jime said to effectively participate in that platform, Nigerians need to develop infrastructure that would respond to that emerging situation.

“And I believe sealink has a strategic place as far as the development of our trade facilitation is concerned.

“It helps in promotion of inland waterways operation for bulk commodities towards trade diversification of Nigeria economy.

“Movement of cargo is key as far as our mandate is concerned.

“So anything that will engender and enable the environment, such that Nigerian Shippers can take advantage of in evolving trade environment, we have a duty at shippers council to fully get engaged and participate in the process,” he added.

Earlier, the Managing Director of NEXIM Bank, represented by his Technical Adviser, Mr Hope Yongo, also expressed the bank’s commitment to the project.

In her remarks, Shall-Holma, said the committee was in partnership with several stakeholders to ensure the realisation of the project.