Shipping company urges Nigerian importers to exploit digital platforms

A shipping firm, Maersk Nigeria Limited has urged importers and exporters in the country to explore digital platforms, adding that its offices remained opened in Nigeria.

Clearing agents have complained that many shipping firms in Nigeria have shut their doors, but the global logistics company said its offices are opened with full compliance to safety rules.

“Customers who must come to its offices to transact business while observing strict safety measures against COVI-19 as outlined by the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and other relevant arms of government, its online platforms are also available for use.

“We urge our customers to make full use of our online platforms to stay safe and to do business,” Maersk said.

The shipping firm said it has made a significant investment in its digital platforms to find new ways to simplify container transport, cut down on turnaround time, reduce costs and boost transparency for its customers.

The Customer Service Manager of Maersk Nigeria, Adeyemi Adenaike, said the company’s electronic invoicing solution named My finance, is in line with the government’s regulation on social distancing.

“This means that customers are able to view all their invoices with a few clicks, eliminating the need to manually request an invoice via email or physically at Maersk counter areas. They will be getting information on invoices, account statement and raising disputes, once they are registered on maersk.com,” Adenaike said.

He also said that shippers can make payment for the company’s services through the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) E-bills payment platform from the comfort of their homes or offices, without having to visit the banks.

“The bank transfer option is also available to them, where their banks are not listed on the Ebills platform.

“The Maersk Shipment app offers a host of new features, including a powerful dashboard and task list. Other features like Quote, Book, Live Chat, and Share Information have also been updated.

The real-time tracking information you can trust is only a tap away. Customers are encouraged to download the app through the App Store or Google Play to experience cargo visibility wherever they are,” he stated.

He also said that customers can request a detailed quote that meets their specific requirements in just a few hours with Maersk 24/7 online service.

He also said that customers can track and trace their shipments or individual containers within a shipment or obtain up-to-date list import manifest rotation numbers that facilitate customers’ customs clearing process during this period on the company’s website.