From right: Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shipper’s Council, NSC, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Jime presents a plaque to the President/Council Chairman, Chartered Institute of Export and Commodity Brokers of Nigeria CIECOBON, Dr. Ayobami Omotoso during a visit to the council recently.

Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shipper’s Council, NSC, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Jime last week led other management team of the council to play host to members of the Chartered Institute of Export and Commodity Brokers of Nigeria CIECOBON, who paid a courtesy visit at the NSC headquarters in Lagos.

The institute also made a strong case for the designation of some seaport terminals strictly for the handling of export commodities in line with government’s desire to boost non-oil exports, especially agro-allied products.

Speaking during the visit, President/Council Chairman, Dr. Ayobami Omotoso, who led the team, disclosed that the purpose of the visit was find ways of boosting commodity export business in the country and therefore sought the support and cooperation of the council to achieve that.

He also called on NSC to appeal to the Federal Government to establish an Export-specific Port to further encourage exports.

The CIECOBON President said lack of flat-bottom vessels to transport cargos to Apapa has rendered the use of Ikorodu Lighter Terminal once designated for export a dead on arrival decision.

Dr. Omotoso disclosed that one of the shipping lines operating in the sub-region has been providing open roof-top vessels for Ghanaian exporters of produce. He pleaded with NSC to discuss the possibility of extending such a service to Nigerian exporters because the refer containers that should ordinarily be used are too expensive for many exporters.

The NSC-boss, who warmly welcome the delegation, assured them that part of NSC’s mandate, being in alliance with that of CIECOBON, will result in a partnership that will benefit the nation’s economy. He commended the doggedness of CIECOBON in promoting export through advocacy and capacity building. He enjoined the body to keep forging ahead in its mission with patriotic zeal. 

He also assured Dr. Omotoso and his delegation that NSC will discuss the request for open rooftop vessels. 

The Chartered Institute of Export and Commodity Brokers of Nigeria CIECOBON, came into existence in 2015 following National Assembly’s approval of the merger of the Institute of Export of Nigeria IEON and Commodity Brokers Association of Nigeria CBAN.