The logistics sector is evolving, and the operators shaping its future are those who positioned themselves early. Sunbeth Shipping and Logistics is one of them, having grown from an export-focused operator into a full-spectrum logistics provider in seven years. The firm is looking to tap the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for its expansion across the continent.
In this interview with BusinessDay’s Wasiu Alli, Johnson Olagbaju, shipping operations lead at Sunbeth, discusses what it takes to move goods in one of Africa’s most dynamic markets, what sets the business apart, and where it is headed next.
What is driving the pace of change in the logistics sector, and how is Sunbeth Shipping responding?
It has been driven by market demand. When Sunbeth Shipping started, our focus was firmly on exports. Today, we operate across the full logistics value chain: sea freight (import and export), air freight (import and export), and third-party logistics.
Technology is reshaping how goods are tracked, cleared, and delivered. Customer expectations are rising, and the pace of trade is accelerating. Our expansion has not been growth for its own sake; it has been a deliberate response to what the market requires of a serious operator.
Tell us about your journey in shipping and logistics. What drew you to this sector, and what keeps you passionate about it?
I pivoted into the maritime industry about seven years ago and realised that it was exactly where I was meant to be, solving problems. We navigate regulations, manage relationships with partners, and ensure each consignment moves safely from origin to destination.
Every day comes with its own challenges, and providing solutions to those challenges brings real satisfaction. From ensuring export containers get to shippers’ warehouses for stuffing to managing customs documentation, engaging with relevant government agencies, and liaising with terminals and shipping lines for shipment planning on the next available vessel, the work remains demanding and engaging.
It is a race against time to ensure customers’ shipments get to their destinations without delays. This also applies to our import clearing and air freight operations. That mix of challenge and reward is what keeps this work compelling.
Walk us through what it actually takes to move goods reliably in a market like this. What happens behind the scenes that most people never see?
Most people only see shipments arrive at their destinations. They rarely see the process and documentation involved. Behind every successful consignment is a layer of work that never makes it into the conversation, and it is precisely that invisible groundwork that determines whether a shipment succeeds or fails.
We operate across multiple trade lanes, each with its own rules, port authorities, and export and clearance processes. Strong partnerships with port authorities, customs agencies, and trade bodies keep our operations moving. Our job is to understand those processes, maintain the right relationships, and move through them without delay.
From port arrival to final delivery, there are many moving parts. How do you keep everything synchronised?
It starts before the shipment even arrives. The moment a shipment is confirmed, we are already in motion.
For exports, we coordinate delivery to the port, book space on vessels, prepare customs documentation, and work directly with shipping lines and government agencies. For imports, whether by sea or air, we ensure customs clearance and regulatory compliance are in place, and we arrange transport so goods can move as soon as they are released.
By the time a container is available at the port, the truck, driver, and route are already confirmed. Clients are kept informed at every stage. They know which stage their consignment is in, who to contact, and when to expect delivery. That communication loop, both internally and externally, prevents disjointed handoffs that cause delays. Over time, that level of transparency turns clients into long-term partners.
Sunbeth Shipping offers multiple transport modes to meet different client needs.
How do you decide which mode is right for each shipment?
The decision starts with the client’s needs. From there, four factors shape it: the nature of the cargo, time sensitivity, cost, and conditions on the ground.
Sea freight is our primary mode for standard operations, managing vessel schedules, port documentation, freight forwarding, and customs clearance across multiple trade lanes. Air freight is reserved for situations where urgency is non-negotiable, typically for time-sensitive goods that cannot wait for a vessel.
Once goods are cleared at the port, our haulage operations take over, moving consignments from the port to the client’s destination anywhere in Nigeria. Our role is to guide clients towards what best serves their needs, not what is most convenient for us to provide.
What’s next for Sunbeth Shipping’s operations? Are there new capabilities, routes, or service areas you are exploring?
The AfCFTA is creating momentum for intra-African trade, and we are positioning to capture it. A partnership with Uganda Airlines is already in place, with active expansion along the West Africa corridor underway.
Cold chain is another major priority. Nigeria loses an enormous volume of agricultural produce every year simply because the infrastructure to preserve it is not there. A Kano to Lagos journey that should take 48 hours can stretch into a week, and perishable goods do not survive that. We are investing intentionally in the cold chain to close that gap.
Beyond moving goods efficiently, what larger impact does Sunbeth Shipping aim to create?
Every shipment we move supports a business, strengthens a supply chain, and keeps the economy moving. We are expanding across Africa and raising the standard for what reliable shipping looks like in this market.
Everything we have built, our expertise, our partnerships, and our people are focused on delivering customers’ shipments reliably and without exception.
Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date
Open In Whatsapp
