The New Experience Newspapers Online News Indepth, Analysis and More
Protecting Shippers’ Interests: NSC’s Top Priority—Akutah
As the House Committee inspects the APM terminal and meets with the Shipping Line Association.
By Prince Benson Davies
The Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting and promoting the interests of Nigerian shippers.
Executive Secretary/CEO of NSC Bar Akutah ade this assertion during an inspection visit to the APMT terminal by the Chairman House Committee on Shipping Service, Honorable Abdussamad Dasuki
Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, speaking at the occasion, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the House Committee on Shipping Services to protect the interests of shippers and industry stakeholders.
This was made known as he led committee members and representatives from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council on an oversight visit to APM Terminals in Lagos recently.
He explained that the visit is part of the Committee’s mandate to assess the terminal’s adherence to operational standards, to gain insight into the current state of the shipping industry, and to gather first-hand information on what needs to be done to protect shippers.
According to the Chairman
“We are here to listen to your concerns regarding the sector and to understand the benefits the country can derive from our efforts. This Committee aims to explore ways to make life easier for the shipping services and for the nation as a whole.”
Addressing the Shipping Line Association, the Committee Chairman assured the association of continued support to enhance their service delivery efficiency.
The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah, MON, On his own part, reiterated the Council’s mission to enforce compliance with operational standards by concessionaires.
Akutah also emphasized that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is the Port Economic Regulator of ports, responsible for ensuring the adherence of port terminal operators to established standards.
In response to concerns raised by the terminal operator about multiple checkpoints leading to increased road congestion, he mentioned that the Council would work with the relevant agencies to provide solutions that would not compromise the efficiency of the system.
Regarding the terminal operator’s request to review tariffs, he maintained that the government is focused on stimulating the economy and that any additional costs would further burden it.
“We don’t want anything that would lead to extra costs for the economy at this time, so we have been urging them to remain patient. We understand the economic indicators and any tariff increase would be counterproductive,” he added.
During the visit, Barr. Akutah also met with the Managing Directors of Mediterranean Shipping Company, and the Committee described the association as highly professional.
He highlighted their collaborative discussions aimed at improving conditions for workers in the sector.
According to him, the Shipping Line Association (SLA) consists of individuals who play a crucial role in the sector’s success.
He noted that there cannot be any maritime service in the country without the active participation of this subsector of the economy; they are the main drivers of the maritime industry.
He commended the NSC for addressing the challenges currently facing the country in order to expedite processes and uphold the economic value of the industry.
The NSC praised the House Committee for their oversight responsibilities as they engaged with the Shipping Line Association to discuss critical issues affecting the shipping industry and explore ways to address them.