Olori Haastrup made the call during a panel session titled “Shipping Through Uncertainty: Trade, Energy Transition and Emerging Maritime Risks” at a one-day Maritime Law Seminar organised by the Nigerian Maritime Law Association (NMLA). Represented by the Managing Director of ENL Consortium, Mark Walsh, the STOAN Chairman said stronger coordination among regulatory agencies was essential to streamlining port operations and improving the movement of vessels and cargo.
She acknowledged the important statutory responsibilities of the various agencies operating in the ports, but stressed the need for them to work more closely towards shared national and economic objectives. “There is a need for greater coordination among government agencies.
She urged cargo owners to ensure proper documentation before shipment, engage experienced customs brokers and freight forwarders, and work closely with professionals who understand Nigeria’s regulatory environment. According to her, better preparation and compliance by cargo owners could help prevent many avoidable delays in the shipping process.
The STOAN Chairman also encouraged businesses to diversify their logistics strategies rather than rely on a single port, transport corridor or logistics provider, particularly as trade opportunities expand under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“They should be flexible in their supply chains and spread their operations across different areas so they can become more resilient,” she said. Olori Haastrup identified digitalisation as a key driver of more efficient port operations, highlighting electronic documentation, cargo tracking, advance manifest submission and digital payment systems as important tools for reducing delays and improving cargo visibility.
She also urged businesses to ensure that shipping contracts clearly define responsibilities for delays arising from customs inspections, port congestion and other regulatory interventions.