By Omenihu Alfred fibmn
A seasoned maritime professional and freight forwarder, Nze Chidiogo Okpara, the CEO of Chidosky Marine Concept Ltd has called for urgent human capacity building for all the operators of the Nigerian maritime industry.
Speaking at the CONMMEP Monthly Roundtable Discussion on September 22, 2025 at Benestar Suites Surulere Lagos, Okpara stressed that the Nigeria’s maritime industry plays a vital role in the country’s economy, with freight forwarders serving as crucial intermediaries and catalysts in international trade, hence to remain competitive and efficient, it’s essential to invest in the training and development of freight forwarders especially in International Trade Regulations, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Customs Clearance Procedures, Documentation and Compliance, Risk Management and Insurance etc.
” This should be a matter of policy for the maritime industry and the benefits are quite enormous. Again, we should bear in mind that every practitioner in this industry entered through a particular way”, he stated.
Nze Okpara noted that the training can streamline logistics processes, reduce transit times and costs, bring about Knowledge of regulations and standards, ensures compliance, minimize delays and penalties etc. Summerily, skilled freight forwarders will provide better services, attracting more clients and boosting Nigeria’s maritime industry because a well-trained workforce contributes to the growth and development of the maritime sector, driving economic progress.
In another development, the outspoken and in-depth professional expressed concern that Nigeria’s maritime sector is grappling with crisis fueled by escalating costs and operational bottlenecks as Delays, demurrage charges, and unexpected levies are taking a significant human toll. He highlighted the severe financial strain on businesses, particularly small and medium-sized importers.
“The burden is too heavy for a lot of people,” he stated, emphasizing that the current challenges jeopardize business survival and threaten job creation within the sector. He noted the cost of clearing a 40ft container has surged to nearly ₦16 million, a figure that is crippling many businesses. He pointed out that many businesses are being forced to shut down, while others are operating at a loss due to the inefficiencies.
He stressed the importance of government consultation with industry stakeholders before implementing policy changes, noting that policies enacted without such consultation often harm the industry and the broader economy.
While acknowledging the revenue generation efforts of the Customs department, Okpara called for greater transparency and fairness within the system. He also underscored the urgent need for enhanced training and orientation programs for clearing agents, many of whom lack essential documentation skills.
Okpara is a strong advocate for human capital development and is personally committed to mentoring younger clearing agents to help them establish their own businesses. “My passion is not just to survive in this business but to ensure that others grow too. Mentorship is one way to build a stronger industry,”.
He asserted that Nigeria’s maritime sector possesses enormous global potential if operational costs are minimized, systems are streamlined, and policies are made inclusive.
“The government must work with us, not against us,” he declared.
Nze Chidiogo Okpara is a seasoned maritime professional with over a decade of experience in the industry. A native of Anambra State, he holds a Diploma in Adult Education and Community Development from Ahmadu Bello University and a BSc in Psychology from Imo State University.As the CEO of Chidosky Marine Concept Ltd., he leads a Customs-licensed freight forwarding agency with operations across Nigeria’s seaports, airports, and land borders.Okpara is also a community leader and philanthropist, serving as Vice Chairman of Freeman Fitness Club and President of Prime Star Brothers Club of Nigeria
