The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has lauded the collaboration between SIFAX Shipping and ECU Worldwide, describing it as a venture capable of boosting the nation’s export capacity and earnings.
Mr. Arnold Jackson, Director, State Offices Coordinating Department, NEPC said this at the 2024 edition of the International Business Conference & Expo, hosted by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with the theme “Invest Nigeria.”
The two-day event, which was held at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, attracted key stakeholders and investors from around the globe, interested in investing in Nigeria.
Jackson, who described the partnership as ‘laudable’, further noted that the availability of less-than-container-load (LCL) services would make Nigerian products more competitive in the global market, thereby increasing the country’s export volume and foreign exchange earnings.
He further assured both SIFAX Shipping and ECU Worldwide that NEPC would promote the service to exporters the agency works with, in a bid to support their export ambitions as well as improve the country’s export volume.
It would be recalled that the first LCL vessel departed the shores of Lagos for Antwerp, Belgium, on Saturday, August 2024. This marks a significant milestone as it is the first of such service in the country.
Commenting on the landmark event, Head of Groupage at SIFAX Shipping, Mr. Adekunle Owobamirin noted that the partnership was a product of the Group’s commitment to providing business solutions capable of positively impacting the nation’s economy.
He added that the LCL export service will also support small-scale business owners and help them in reducing costs.
In his words, “This partnership with ECU Worldwide is a testament to our commitment to providing innovative and world-class logistics solutions that will enhance Nigeria’s trade capacity and competitiveness on the global stage.
“The introduction of LCL export services will provide Nigerian exporters with more options, reduce logistics costs, and ultimately contribute to the growth of the nation’s economy. The first vessel has sailed successfully, and we are looking at supporting Nigerian small and medium-scale businesses to export their products to major markets around the world.”
