By Abbas Nazil
Nigeria and Tanzania have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration in maritime development, with both countries pledging to work closely to enhance shipping operations and foster regional cooperation.
The renewed pledge came during a courtesy visit by a 19-member delegation from the United Republic of Tanzania to the headquarters of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in Lagos.
Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Akutah Pius, expressed optimism about the prospects of the partnership, stressing that the cooperation would focus on technical support, inter-port partnerships, capacity building, and infrastructure sharing, all aimed at spurring growth in Tanzania’s maritime sector.
He noted that Nigeria’s policies encourage private sector participation in port operations and commended Tanzania’s intention to open its shipping industry to private investors.
According to Akutah, the shipping industry requires substantial capital investment and should therefore be driven by private operators to achieve efficiency and sustainability.
He emphasized the importance of transport connectivity in achieving the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) goal of positioning African countries as maritime hubs, pointing out that enhanced shipping links could boost trade across the continent.
The NSC boss also underscored that partnerships between African nations would help them share expertise, modernize infrastructure, and improve competitiveness in global trade.
Tanzanian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Selestine Gervas Kakele, stated that Tanzania was keen to learn from Nigeria’s port economic regulatory framework.
He described the NSC as a strategic partner in the country’s efforts to develop indigenous shipping capabilities and strengthen its maritime economy.
Deputy Attorney General of Tanzania, Sammel Marco Manene, praised Nigeria as one of the most prominent countries in West Africa excelling in trade and economic growth.
He explained that Tanzania aims to leverage its geographical location to increase its participation in African and global trade, adding that lessons from Nigeria’s maritime sector could be pivotal in achieving this.
Both delegations acknowledged the importance of maintaining and expanding the already strong trade relationship between Nigeria and Tanzania.
They agreed to pursue more engagement and exchange of knowledge to drive maritime development, with a shared vision of enhancing Africa’s position in global shipping.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to explore further opportunities for cooperation in the maritime sector, with the understanding that a stronger partnership could lead to greater economic integration, improved port efficiency, and increased trade flows between East and West Africa.
Plans for follow-up meetings and joint initiatives were also discussed, reinforcing the resolve of both nations to translate their renewed commitment into tangible benefits for their maritime industries.
