The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing the regulatory guidance and institutional support required for the successful implementation of the Sealink Project.

The Executive Secretary of the council, Pius Akutah, gave the assurance during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), supported by the European Union (EU) and in partnership with the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, at the council’s headquarters in Lagos.

The council’s Head of Public Relations, Rebecca Adamu, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.

Mr Akutah described the Sealink Project as a strategic intervention capable of transforming Nigeria’s maritime and coastal shipping sector, saying the council remained committed to supporting initiatives that enhance trade facilitation and regional connectivity.

The delegation, led by Hope Nyongo, technical adviser to NEXIM Bank, presented the project to the council and identified the NSC as a critical stakeholder in its implementation.

Mr Nyongo also conveyed the Port of Antwerp-Bruges’ readiness to collaborate on the rehabilitation and upgrade of Burutu Port as a key component of the project.

He said the project, co-funded by the EU and technically supported by the Port of Antwerp-Bruges, was designed to strengthen Nigeria’s coastal and inland waterway transport systems while enhancing regional trade connectivity.

He noted that the NSC would play a pivotal role in the development of freight logistics and in protecting shippers’ interests.

Responding, Mr Akutah commended the initiative but stressed the need to address critical operational and regulatory issues to ensure its sustainability.

He said dredging costs should be integrated into the project’s financial framework, noting that efficient navigation channels were essential to the viability of coastal and inland shipping operations.

According to him, the existing fleet operating along the proposed corridors may be inadequate to meet the project’s objectives, necessitating the deployment of suitable vessels to ensure seamless operations.

Mr Akutah also underscored the need for a robust security architecture, particularly in the Niger Delta, to guarantee the safety of vessels, cargo and personnel.

He disclosed that the council would establish a dedicated technical team to provide regulatory guidance throughout the implementation of the project.

The NSC boss also assured the delegation that an appropriate regulatory framework would be developed and reviewed before any concession arrangement was undertaken.

He expressed optimism that the Sealink Project would boost trade facilitation, maritime connectivity and economic growth.

He added that Nigeria was strategically positioned to emerge as a major trade and maritime hub in Africa under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Mr Akutah further called for the establishment of a clear dispute resolution mechanism to address potential commercial and regulatory issues during the implementation of the project, describing it as critical to investor confidence and programme stability.

He said the meeting marked another step toward strengthening institutional collaboration and advancing the Sealink Project as a catalyst for regional trade and maritime development in Nigeria and across Africa.

 (NAN)