The Federal Government of Nigeria has urged member states of the Union of African Shippers’ Councils UASC to adopt a united approach against arbitrary shipping surcharges and exploitative freight practices that weaken trade competitiveness across West and Central Africa.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council NSC, and the UASC have pledged joint commitment towards advancing the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area AfCFTA.

Speaking at the recently concluded sub-regional seminar and meeting of Standing Committee No. 1 on Trade and Transport, hosted by the Council Lagos, Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, noted that there was urgent need for Shippers’ Councils within the region to fully exercise their regulatory and advocacy roles, ensuring transparency and fairness in shipping operations.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Olufemi Oloruntola, the Minister argued that effective regulation and fair pricing would help reduce logistics costs and enhance the competitiveness of Africa’s exports in global markets.

The Minister, who delivered the keynote speech, described the AfCFTA as a transformative initiative capable of reshaping Africa’s economic landscape by creating a single market of more than 1.4 billion people with a combined Gross Domestic Product GDP, of over $3 trillion.

Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, while speaking at the two-day event, noted that the AfCFTA presents a major opportunity for African economies to deepen regional integration, expand industrial capacity, and strengthen participation in global value chains.

“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council is pursuing policies aimed at enhancing port efficiency, promoting multimodal transport systems, and developing inland dry ports and logistics hubs — all essential enablers for realising AfCFTA objectives and the World Trade Organisation’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.

“Through collaboration, the NSC and UASC can build a unified regional position that encourages transparency, equity, and sustainability within the maritime sector”, Dr Akuta said.

Speaking at the event, the Secretary-General of the UASC, Mr. Abdurahman Abba Kafougou, highlighted the importance of Standing Committees No. 1 (Trade and Transport) and No. 2 (Cooperation and Regulation) as the technical engines that drive the Union’s mandate.

He explained that the studies and recommendations from these committees play a crucial role in shaping UASC’s operational and policy direction. Mr. Kafougou noted that the Lagos meeting, which was held alongside a mini sub-regional seminar on AfCFTA, demonstrates the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s leadership and commitment to promoting trade facilitation and regional cooperation.

He commended the NSC and the Government of Nigeria for their continued support and hospitality. The forum convened representatives from 19 member states, maritime and trade agency leaders, development partners, and key stakeholders in the transport and logistics sector to explore practical measures for strengthening trade preparedness under the AfCFTA framework.