Nigerian entrepreneur Shulamite Okosun has highlighted the challenges facing international logistics and food processing businesses, calling for improved infrastructure, clearer regulations and affordable insurance to support sustainable growth.

Okosun, founder of Shully Export and Import Services and Africfoodstore, said fluctuating costs, foreign exchange volatility, supply-chain disruptions and regulatory requirements continued to put pressure on businesses operating in the two sectors.

She noted that although her companies operate in different industries, both face common challenges, including rising operating costs, maintaining product and service quality, complying with regulations and sustaining customer confidence.

Through Shully Export and Import Services, Okosun helps individuals and businesses transport goods between Nigeria and overseas destinations, including Canada and the United Kingdom.

She identified varying customs procedures, import restrictions, documentation requirements and inspection processes as some of the difficulties associated with international shipping.

According to her, delays and unexpected handling or storage charges can disrupt delivery schedules and increase costs, even when shipments have been properly prepared.

She also identified foreign exchange fluctuations, port congestion, inadequate infrastructure and high transportation costs as factors complicating freight pricing and operations.

To address these challenges, Okosun emphasised accurate documentation, effective shipment coordination, clear communication with customers and stronger operational systems.

She called for predictable trade policies, improved transport infrastructure, transparent regulatory procedures and accessible insurance products tailored to the risks faced by shipping businesses.

On food processing and distribution, Okosun said Africfoodstore faced difficulties arising from frequent food price changes, unreliable electricity, seasonal shortages and transportation challenges.

She explained that unstable power supply increased the cost of refrigeration, cold storage, grinding and packaging, while supply disruptions affected product availability and preservation.

She also stressed the importance of food safety and regulatory compliance, noting that businesses needed appropriate processing facilities, quality packaging, product testing, traceability systems and necessary regulatory approvals to protect consumers and maintain standards.

Okosun added that declining consumer purchasing power placed additional pressure on food businesses seeking to maintain quality while keeping products affordable.

She said improving processing and packaging capacity, strengthening sourcing and distribution networks, and maintaining food safety standards were essential to building resilient food businesses.

She also identified modern storage facilities, better supply-chain coordination and increased local agricultural production as opportunities to strengthen the sector.

On insurance, Okosun said goods in transit and food products in storage or processing could be exposed to losses, depending on the circumstances and the terms of individual policies.

She advocated affordable insurance products with clearly defined coverage for risks associated with international shipping, food storage and processing.

She further called for consistent government policies and transparent regulatory enforcement, arguing that businesses needed clear rules and reliable infrastructure to operate effectively while meeting legitimate consumer protection requirements.

Despite the challenges, Okosun said her plans included expanding food processing and packaging, strengthening international logistics operations, improving customer experience through technology and reaching more customers in overseas markets.

She said creating an enabling business environment would help Nigerian entrepreneurs manage risks, compete fairly and build sustainable enterprises.

Okosun added that the growth of businesses such as Shully Export and Import Services and Africfoodstore could support local producers, create employment opportunities and improve access to Nigerian products in international markets.