The Federal Government has called on member states of the Union of African Shippers’ Councils (UASC) to unite against arbitrary shipping surcharges and unfair freight practices undermining trade competitiveness across West and Central Africa.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, made the call in Lagos while declaring open the Sub-Regional Seminar and Meeting of UASC Standing Committee No. 1, themed “The Readiness of Countries of West and Central Africa in the Implementation of AfCFTA – The Role of Shippers’ Councils” in Lagos on Wednesday.
Represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola, Oyetola said member states must strengthen collaboration and harmonize policies to enhance regional trade efficiency.
He stressed that Shippers’ Councils play a pivotal role as regulators and advocates, ensuring fair freight rates and transparent shipping practices that can lower trade costs and boost African exports.
“Arbitrary surcharges and high freight rates continue to erode competitiveness, placing undue burdens on importers and exporters. It is imperative for UASC to engage shipping lines and international partners to ensure transparency and equity in freight rate determination.”
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, noted that AfCFTA provides a platform to deepen regional integration and strengthen Africa’s participation in global value chains.
He reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to improving port efficiency, promoting multimodal transport, and developing inland dry ports to support AfCFTA and WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.
Dr. Akutah decried recent peak season surcharges imposed by some shipping lines, warning that such arbitrary charges threaten regional trade competitiveness, even as he urged UASC members to forge a unified position that ensures fairness and sustainability in shipping operations.
UASC Secretary-General, Mr. Abdurahman Abba Kafougou, praised Nigeria and the NSC for their leadership in promoting regional trade cooperation. He explained that discussions at the Lagos meeting would focus on practical strategies for harnessing AfCFTA opportunities, improving cargo delivery, and building information platforms for shippers.
Also speaking, NIMASA Director-General, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, represented by Mrs. Nneka Obianyor, underscored the importance of digitalization and port community integration in achieving AfCFTA readiness.
On his part, Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, represented by Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, emphasized aligning customs procedures with AfCFTA’s framework to eliminate trade barriers and enhance competitiveness.
The two-day UASC meeting, attended by delegates from 19 member countries, aims to develop actionable resolutions that will strengthen cooperation and position West and Central Africa as a strong, competitive bloc under the AfCFTA framework.
