NACCIMA backs Sea Express to drive AfCFTA goals

NACCIMA backs Sea Express to drive AfCFTA goals

 The President of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Jani Ibrahim, has endorsed Sea Express as a vital solution to Nigeria’s persistent logistics challenges, stressing that efficient transportation is essential for the country to fully harness the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). During a tour of the company’s facilities in Cross River State, Ibrahim noted that improved logistics would allow Nigerian businesses to trade seamlessly with other African countries such as South Africa, Egypt and Senegal, adding that Sea Express is playing a key role in making this possible.

Also speaking at the event, the President of the Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (CALCCIMA), Kelly Ayamba, described Sea Express as a pioneer in sea transportation and highlighted the importance of exposing NACCIMA leadership to the company to explore areas of collaboration. He said the firm has made significant progress over the years in strengthening maritime transport in the region.

The Chief Executive Officer of Sea Express, Thompson Eja, drew attention to the high costs and inefficiencies that hinder intra-African trade, citing the stark contrast between expensive travel within Africa and cheaper long-distance travel in Europe. He emphasized the need for export-focused strategies and the removal of logistics bottlenecks to make African trade profitable. Overall, Ibrahim’s endorsement signals a broader drive to strengthen logistics networks as Nigeria positions itself to maximize AfCFTA opportunities, with Sea Express emerging as a key enabler of regional and continental trade.