By Ifeoma Ikem
The National Coordinator of Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Chief Patrick Osita, has urged Nigerian shippers and freight forwarders to patronise Clarion Shipping to strengthen the indigenous shipping industry and promote local capacity.
Osita made the appeal during an awareness walk organised by Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders in Apapa, Lagos.
He called on importers, exporters, and stakeholders to support Clarion Shipping, noting that indigenous shipping had collapsed largely due to lack of local commitment.
“Clarion Shipping has taken a huge risk to bring this vessel into the country. We must appreciate this effort and also encourage the Vice President, Mrs. Ifeoma Eloka, who has worked tirelessly to sustain the business,” Osita said.
The Operations Manager of Clarion Shipping, Mr. Solomon Ogudo, highlighted the company’s services, including multiple destination options, faster delivery, and inland port access in Lagos, Onne, Kano, and Onitsha.
He added that the company offers 21 days of free container deposit, flexible demurrage waivers, and dedicated customer support in China and Nigeria.
Ogudo disclosed that the company’s vessel, Ocean Dragon, departed China on September 28 and is expected to berth in Nigeria on October 25, adding that the vessel would help eliminate transshipment delays and support exporters with direct delivery to global destinations.
He also revealed that Clarion Shipping operates two vessels — one dedicated to Nigeria and West Africa, and another that will serve the Nigeria-China route.
He added that Customs officers and freight forwarders would receive incentives of $500 for each 40ft container and $300 for each 20ft booking.
Ogudo emphasized that the initiative would boost regional trade, promote intra-African commerce, create jobs, and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on foreign shipping lines, aligning with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
