The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) have emphasised the pivotal role of innovation, regulatory advancement and international cooperation in shaping the future of the maritime industry.

They stated this at a one-day maritime journalists training workshop held in Lagos with the theme: ‘Commercial Terms and Phrases in the Nigerian Maritime Industry’, organised in collaboration with Roam Media Concept.

The Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, who was represented by the Controller of Tin Can Island Area Command of the Service, Dera Nnadi, highlighted how rapidly evolving technology and global trade dynamics are transforming customs operations and maritime practices.

He said the maritime industry has undergone significant changes over the past few years, driven by advancements in technology, shifts in global trade patterns, and evolving regulatory frameworks.

Adeniyi noted that the industry stands at the intersection of trade, innovation and regulatory practices, underscoring the importance of adapting to new developments for efficiency and transparency.

Adeniyi called for a focus on the specialised language of customs procedures, trade compliance and international logistics, advocating for deeper engagement with the vocabulary that defines these areas.

This linguistic foundation, he added, is crucial for both transparency in operations and adherence to compliance standards. He stressed the need for accurate and responsible reporting to support public understanding of the sector’s complexities and contributions.

The Deputy Managing Director of Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), Nigeria, Jacob Iosso, emphasised the critical role of the shipping industry in global trade, noting that without shipping, the import and export of affordable raw materials and manufactured goods would simply not be possible.

As global trade continues to expand, particularly in Nigeria, Iosso expressed optimism about future growth as new policies are implemented. Iosso’s presentation focused on the importance of International Commercial Terms (IncoTerms), which govern responsibilities and liabilities between buyers and sellers in international trade.

He also highlighted the importance of the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) term in the Nigerian context, noting that sellers are responsible for these costs until the goods reach the destination port.

Iosso also provided insights on the bill of lading, a critical document in shipping that signifies ownership of goods. Iosso further underscored the need for exporters to be well-educated about the necessary documentation and timelines to avoid delays.