Shippers Council Complaints Handling Mechanism Saves Nigeria Over N6Billion

By DAPO OLAWUNI

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has announced that its Complaints Handling Mechanism has saved the country more than N6 billion, highlighting the organization’s significant role in export facilitation. This was disclosed by Miss Adaora Nwonu, Deputy Director for Trade at the NSC, during the Non-Oil Export Summit held last Friday in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Nwonu emphasized the critical function of the NSC in resolving disputes related to shipping, helping businesses recover billions of naira that could have been lost due to inefficiencies. She 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.

“The Non-Oil Export Summit provided 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,” Nwonu said, noting 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, a key player in the financial sector, reaffirmed its support for non-oil export growth. 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.

The Non-Oil Export Summit served as a collaborative forum for stakeholders to explore opportunities for expanding Nigeria’s non-oil export sector and to discuss strategies to overcome existing challenges.

With contributions from the Shippers’ Council, Customs, NEPC, and Providus Bank, the event provided actionable insights for bolstering Nigeria’s non-oil export market and fostering sustainable economic growth.