By Hauwa Ali
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) is seeking synergy with the Airfreight Stakeholders’ Forum for co-operation to achieve the common goal of promoting seamless trade and creating an enabling environment for businesses in the country.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Emmanuel Jime, made the call when the President Airfreight Stakeholders’ Forum, MrToyinOnifade, led his members on a courtesy visit to the NSC’s Headquarters in Lagos recently.
According to Jime, the NSC’s duty is to protect the interest of shippers, adding that the Airfreight Stakeholders’ Forum is fundamental to achieving this.
“I have had a thorough briefing about the activities of the Airfreight Stakeholders’ Forum. I understand that the Forum has, expectedly, played a key role in airfreight matters. As Port Economic Regulator, NSC wants business to be done seamlessly in both the seaports and airports in the country,” he said.
Jime also emphasised the need to ensure proper packaging of exports for various international markets while assuring the team of the Council’s support for their operations.
The ASF president, who appreciated the Council for receiving his team unveiled plans to launch a manual which would provide guidelines for stakeholders in airfreight businesses in the country.
Onifade maintained that the maritime sector can conveniently generate more than five hundred thousand employment opportunities. He drew attention to the fact that airfreight works out cheaper than the conveyance of goods by roads.
He said enlightenment campaigns by relevant government agencies are needed for shippers to be attuned to the benefits of airfreight.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council and Airfreight Stakeholders’ Forum have jointly organized a series of workshops and interactions for stakeholders on topical issues on exports and airfreight business in the country.