By Tunde Ojudun
In a spirited display of patriotism and resilience, members of the Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders, Importers & Exporters Coalition (SNFFIEC) braved relentless rain on Tuesday to stage a vibrant roadshow in Apapa, Lagos, honouring the launch of Nigeria’s first privately owned indigenous container vessel, the MV Ocean Dragon, operated by Clarion Shipping West Africa Limited.
The procession, which snaked through Wharf Road, Burma Road, and surrounding streets, resembled a carnival, with SNFFIEC members dancing, waving banners, and distributing flyers to raise awareness about the vessel’s significance and the advantages of supporting local maritime enterprises.
Addressing journalists after the event, SNFFIEC National Coordinator Chief Osita Chukwu, PhD, KSJI, urged stakeholders in the maritime sector — including importers, exporters, and clearing agents — to embrace the MV Ocean Dragon. He highlighted generous incentives offered by Clarion Shipping to including, 21 days of free storage, waived container deposits, and 24-hour inland clearance.
Clarion Shipping’s Regional Manager, Mr. Solomon Ogudo, reinforced the message by announcing substantial discounts of $500 off every 40-foot container and $300 off each 20-foot container. He also noted that the company operates two vessels servicing transshipment hubs across West Africa, along with an ocean-going vessel that connects to China and other international destinations.
The roadshow marked a milestone for Nigeria’s shipping industry, signaling a new era of indigenous participation in global trade logistics.