Barrister Pius Ukeyima Akutah, Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, addressed the Maritime Reporters Association of Nigeria (MARAN) breakfast meeting on the theme “Trade Facilitation and President Tinubu’s Economic Agenda”.
The ES/CEO was represented at the event that took place today being the 24th of July at Rockview Hotels in Apapa, by the Assistant Director in Consumer Affairs Department of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Ogbonnaya Austina.
Akutah expressed appreciation for the invitation and highlighted the alignment of the theme with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to facilitate trade and bring prosperity to Nigerians.
He outlined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 8-Point Agenda to revamp the economy, including reforming the economy, strengthening national security, boosting agriculture, and enhancing infrastructure and transportation.
He reported on the progress made by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in promoting and advocating for the digitalization of Nigerian port processes and operations, with over 90% automation achieved.
He also announced the operationalization of the Dala, Funtua, and Kaduna Inland Dry Ports and the development of Vehicle Transit Areas (VTAs) to facilitate cargo safety and security.
Furthermore, Akutah highlighted the establishment of Border Information Centres (BICs) to ameliorate challenges faced by cross-border traders, in collaboration with USAID and Borderless Alliance.
He assured MARAN of the Council’s continued partnership in facilitating trade and related activities.
The address demonstrated the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s commitment to supporting the Federal Government’s economic agenda and promoting trade facilitation in the country.
