...As Save Nigeria Group Rallies Support with a RoadShow
As part of effort to reduce bottlenecks and fast track cargo clearance along Port corridors, Clarion Shipping West Africa Ltd has emerged with new ideas, launching the first Nigerian-owned container shipping line with the acquisition of the MV Ocean Dragon vessel.
Clarion Shipping, a logistics and shipping company which came into existence in 2006, offered various incentives alongside the new vessel acquired to ease the challenges faced by clearing agents during cargo clearance processes.
The Regional Manager of Clarion Shipping West Africa Ltd, Mr Solomon Ogudo and the National Coordinator of Save Nigeria Group, Chief Patrick Osita Chukwu addressing journalists after the road walk.
Addressing journalists after a roadshow organised in collaboration with Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders Importers and Exporters Coalition (SNFFIEC) group on Tuesday, 9 October 2025, the Regional Manager of Clarion Shipping West Africa Ltd, Mr Solomon Ogudo informed that the company launched first Nigerian-owned container shipping line in July 2025, with the arrival of MV Ocean Dragon vessel at TinCan Island Port Lagos.
He said this development is to improve efficiency by automating documentation, improving cargo tracking, and ensuring timely vessel turnaround. We operate major terminals in Nigeria, supplementing Port operations and facilitating seamless clearing processes.
To him, the roadshow held on Tuesday aims to create awareness and also woo clearing agents for more patronage, adding more benefits are attached to partnering with them.
“Clearing agents that booked with us will enjoy incentives such as US $500 on every 40 footer containers registered; US$300 on 20 footer containers booked; will enjoy connecting containers to Onne, Calabar, Kano & Onitsha, and every other part of the Country they feel more convenient to take their delivery.
“On cargo clearance delays, our Company has brought solutions together inorder to cut the time of clearing. Instead of taking 24-21 days, you can take maximum of 10 days to clear your container,” he stated.
“This development is to transform cargo transport across Nigerian and West African seaports, supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative. Our second vessel has a high-capacity of 1,780 TEUs meant to serve West African trade routes. Our second vessel has a high-capacity of 1,780 TEUs meant to serve West African trade routes. We creates more employment opportunities by ensuring 70% Nigerian seafarers are onboard MV Ocean Dragon. We also support AfCFTA by enhancing intra-African trade and regional economic growth. We promised to do more and we want more clearing agents to book with us,” he said.
Ogudo highlighted other benefits to include: youth empowerment through job creation; increase in revenue thus boosting the economy, as money generated will be reinvested back into the system, unlike foreign carriers who patriate their income back to their country.
The National Coordinator of Save Nigeria Group, Chief Patrick Osita Chukwu was enthusiastic about the development noting that the Company’s presence would help alleviate the challenges associated with Cargo clearance.
“I called on government not to negate this move and instead support us to make things work, and i also encouraged fellow clearing agents, who trade with China or through Chinese Ports to rest assure that partnering Clarion Shipping will make cargo clearing process easier.
”Having an indigenous shipping company is a dream come true. As i have dreamt about it twenty years ago that one day we will achieve this. A vessel has been procured, solely owned by Nigerian, the first Nigerian container vessel, we are doing this support and solidarity to achieve a common goal”.
Clarion Shipping’s operations are based in Nigeria but extend across West Africa and aim to connect with routes to Europe and Asia through global partnerships.
