The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Ibrahim Shema, has directed port stakeholders to prioritise the clearance of cargoes linked to Nigeria’s power sector, underscoring the federal government’s renewed urgency to stabilise electricity supply.
Speaking during a working tour of CMA CGM Nigeria and APM Terminals Apapa, Shema described power-related shipments as critical national assets that must not be delayed within the port system.
“Anything that pertains to power projects is important to this country. Any time such cargoes come, give us speedy attention because it is in the heart of the federal government”, he said.
The directive reflects growing concern within government circles over persistent bottlenecks in cargo clearance, particularly for infrastructure-related imports that are central to economic recovery and industrial growth.
Shema emphasised that the administration of President Bola Tinubu considers electricity expansion a top priority, urging terminal operators, shipping lines, and contractors to align their operations with national development goals.
The visit, he explained, was a strategic move to strengthen collaboration among shippers, terminal operators, and shipping companies, while also identifying operational challenges requiring policy intervention.
Beyond power logistics, Shema addressed the rising tension over tariff adjustments in the maritime sector, cautioning stakeholders against unilateral decisions that could disrupt trade flows.
“I want to advise us to be cautious in approaching the issue of tariffs. It is important we make use of constructive engagement; it works for both sides”, he said.
His remarks came amid ongoing disagreements between shipping companies and freight forwarders over proposed increases in charges, a development that has raised concerns about cost escalation across Nigeria’s supply chain.
Despite these challenges, Shema expressed optimism about the sector’s future, noting that Nigeria’s maritime industry remains a strategic gateway not only for the domestic economy but also for West Africa.
He highlighted the importance of dredging and deeper waterways, explaining that accommodating larger vessels would significantly boost cargo throughput and government revenue.
“There is no question about the fact that foreign investors are interested to invest even more in this sector”, he added, pointing to ongoing discussions with operators willing to expand capacity if supported by the right policies.
The tour, analysts said, signals a more interventionist posture by regulators seeking to align port operations with broader economic priorities – particularly power, trade competitiveness, and investment inflows.