Shippers’ Day Conference to address rising port clearing bottlenecks

By Joy Enamuna

The President of the Shippers Association Lagos State (SALS), Rev. Nicodemus Odolo, has expressed concern over the persistent rise in bottlenecks and the escalating cost of clearing goods at seaports across the country.

Odolo’s remarks were contained in a statement issued by the association’s Public Relations Officer, Prince Ike Nwagbo.

According to the statement, two themes have been selected for this year’s Shippers’ Day Conference to equip stakeholders with deeper knowledge and enhance professionalism in the industry.

The themes are: “National Single Window: Simplifying Trade Process for Nigerian Shippers” and “Challenges Between Revenue Generation and Trade Facilitation.”

The conference is scheduled to hold on December 3, 2025, at Rockview Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, beginning at 10 a.m.

It is expected to attract top government functionaries, industry regulators, and stakeholders in the maritime, trade, and commerce sectors.

Odolo said one of the major highlights of the event would be the recognition of distinguished Nigerians who have contributed to national economic growth and supported the welfare of shippers.

He noted that the summit would provide an opportunity for “dialogue between and key government agencies on issues and challenges affecting shippers on Customs trade policies, trade in general and goods clearing at the port and how single window will be harmonized with B’Odogwu before the lunching 1st quarter of 2026 as is being speculated by the Federal government.”

He added that the gathering would also enable shippers engage directly with port regulatory agencies on matters relating to import and export activities, as well as policies affecting trade.

According to him, “this summit will also give us an opportunity to discuss with the relevant government port regulatory agencies in relation to our business, especially in the area of importation, exportation, unfavorable government monetary and physical policies affecting goods import into Nigeria.”

Odolo stressed that unfriendly fiscal and monetary policies would also be on the front burner, saying: “On the issue of government fiscal and monetary policies, some of these policies are not business friendly. The present challenges at various ports in Lagos State will equally be discussed.”

Dignitaries expected at the conference include ministers, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola; and the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwale.

Others are the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah; Project Coordinator, Dr. Collins Folarinto; CEO of the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Mr. Kingsley Igwe; and presidents of the five sister associations.

Also expected are the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye; theu Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Chukwunoso Okeke; and the Executive Secretary of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Mr. Olusegun Awolowo.

The Chairman of the Organising Committee, Mrs. Ngozi Modebelu, urged all stakeholders to work towards delivering a memorable and impactful event, saying its success “will still be sounding long after it has ended.”