Oyetola reaffirms commitment to AfCFTA implementation, calls for fair freight rates
… As UASC calls on African nations to strengthen maritime cooperation
The minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the full implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), calling for greater regional collaboration and fairness in maritime trade practices across West and Central Africa.
Speaking at the Sub-Regional Seminar and Meeting of the Standing Committee No. 1 of the Union of African Shippers’ Councils (UASC) in Lagos, the Minister said the AfCFTA represents an unprecedented opportunity to deepen regional integration and boost intra-African trade.
The two-day event, themed “The Readiness of Countries of West and Central Africa in the Implementation of the Agreement Establishing the AfCFTA, The Role of Shippers’ Councils,” brought together delegates from member states, maritime regulators, international partners, and industry stakeholders.
According to Oyetola, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi said the AfCFTA, with its single market of over 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of more than $3 trillion, provides a viable pathway for industrialization, export diversification, and participation in global value chains.
However, he noted that realizing these benefits requires tackling key constraints such as transport logistics inefficiencies, high shipping costs, and inadequate port infrastructure.
“The Shippers’ Councils across the sub-region play a strategic role as advocates for fair freight rates and efficient cargo movement,” Oyetola said.
“In Nigeria, the Federal Government through the Nigerian Shippers’ Council continues to promote port efficiency, multimodal transport connectivity, and digital trade facilitation to ensure competitiveness under the AfCFTA framework.”
He cited ongoing investments in railway modernization, road corridor expansion, deep seaport development, and inland dry ports including the Kaduna Inland Dry Port as evidence of Nigeria’s commitment to trade facilitation and regional integration.
One of the major topics discussed at the meeting was the “Effect of Peak Season Surcharge Recently Introduced by Shipping Lines on the Economies of West and Central Africa.”
Oyetola expressed concern that arbitrary surcharges and high freight rates were undermining trade competitiveness in the region.
“It is imperative that member states, through UASC, engage constructively with shipping lines to ensure transparency, fairness, and equity in freight pricing,” he said. “Our goal must be to protect shippers’ interests while ensuring sustainable shipping operations.”
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to implementing the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), which aligns with AfCFTA objectives by simplifying customs procedures and reducing cross-border trade costs.
He urged participants to use the forum to strengthen collaboration, share best practices, and develop harmonized policies that would promote efficient, secure, and competitive shipping and trade systems across the sub-region.
Declaring the seminar open, the Minister called on delegates to produce actionable resolutions that would drive the development of a resilient maritime transport system supporting inclusive growth and sustainable economic development in Africa.
“Together, we can make West and Central Africa a model of effective cooperation and readiness under the AfCFTA,” he concluded.
Also, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, called for stronger regional collaboration among member states of the Union of African Shippers’ Councils (UASC) to address arbitrary shipping charges and strengthen the continent’s readiness for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Dr. Ukeyima made the call while delivering his welcome address at the Sub-Regional Seminar and Meeting of Standing Committee No. 1 on Trade and Transport of the UASC, held at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel.
Dr. Ukeyima said the seminar’s theme underscored the urgency for the sub-region to effectively position itself within Africa’s emerging trade landscape.
“The Shippers’ Councils play a critical role as advocates for shippers’ interests and as regulators ensuring fair competition, transparent freight practices, and efficient cargo movement across borders,” he said.
He emphasized that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as the Port Economic Regulator, continues to implement policies to enhance port efficiency, promote multimodal transport connectivity, and facilitate the development of inland dry ports and logistics hubs. These measures, he noted, are key to improving Nigeria’s preparedness for both the AfCFTA and the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement.
Dr. Ukeyima also expressed concern over the recent introduction of peak season surcharges and arbitrary charges by shipping lines, which he said have negative implications for trade competitiveness in West and Central Africa.
“These surcharges increase the cost of doing business and erode the competitiveness of our economies. It is therefore imperative that through constructive engagement at this forum, we develop a unified regional position that promotes fairness, transparency, and sustainability in shipping practices,” he stated.
The NSC boss urged participants to use the meeting as a platform to share experiences, harmonize strategies, and strengthen institutional collaboration across UASC member states.
“We hope the outcomes of our deliberations will lead to practical measures that enhance efficiency, reduce trade costs, and boost the competitiveness of our economies,” he added.
Dr. Ukeyima concluded by welcoming delegates to Nigeria, expressing confidence that the seminar’s discussions over the two days would produce actionable resolutions to advance the maritime and trade agenda of West and Central Africa.
Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the Union of African Shippers’ Councils (UASC), Mr. Abdurahman Abba Kafougou, urged African countries to harness the opportunities of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-African trade, improve cargo movement, and enhance regional economic integration.
Mr. Kafougou commended the Federal Government of Nigeria and the NSC for hosting the sub-regional gathering, which he said reflects the dynamism and leadership of Nigeria in promoting maritime development and trade facilitation in Africa.
“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has done us the honor of hosting this important meeting, continuing the series of technical sessions that began in Luanda, Angola, in February 2024,” he said.
According to him, the Standing Commissions on “Transport and Trade” and on “Cooperation and Regulation” form the two technical pillars of the UASC, providing essential studies and recommendations that drive the Union’s policy direction.
He explained that the Lagos meeting, which coincides with a mini sub-regional seminar on AfCFTA, offers delegates an opportunity to address key issues such as reducing cargo delivery costs and time, ensuring proper use of Incoterms 2020, improving trade information systems, and strengthening cooperation among member countries.
“The deliberations of this meeting should lead to concrete recommendations that will enhance trade facilitation and competitiveness in our sub-region,” Mr. Kafougou stated.
He reaffirmed UASC’s commitment to supporting African shippers through advocacy, technical cooperation, and harmonised trade policies that align with AfCFTA’s objectives.
The two-day meeting brought together delegates from 19 member states, senior officials of maritime and transport agencies, and development partners to discuss ways of improving trade efficiency and fostering deeper regional collaboration.