In International Shipping News 28/05/2015
In an effort to improve shipping business in the country and reduce losses incurred by local shippers, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has announced plans to embark on an enlightenment campaign to educate shippers-importers, exporters and other stakeholders in the South-East region of the country.
Christian Chimezie, coordinator, NSC, South-East zone, who revealed this, during a courtesy call on the management of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Aba, affirmed that local shippers would no longer incur losses if they have full knowledge of shipping guidelines.
Chimezie, who took over from Ada Okam, now at the Council’s Lagos office, said the NSC was poised to transform the Nigerian ports sector for better performance, in line with global industry standards.
According to him, with the new status as ports economic regulator, the NSC will ensure efficiency at the ports, reduction in cargo dwell time, reduction in the cost of doing business, entrenching healthy competition for the benefit of all stakeholders.
He also said the Council would improve in vessel turnaround time and increase in cargo throughput, which would invariably lead to increase in revenue to both government and the private investors.
In his words: “Federal Government’s decision to strengthen the Council is not only in line with international best practices in port concession, but also in accordance with the provisions of the concession agreements that brought private operators into the sector.
“The Federal Government, realising that Nigerian Shippers’ Council is the only government agency performing most aspects of economic regulatory roles in the ports sector, but without sufficient power of enforcement, decided to strengthen it to fill the disturbing vacuum created by the absence of an economic regulator, “ he said.
As an economic regulator, Chimezie also promised that the NSC would ensure that a level playing field was provided for all stakeholders in the sector, tariff in the ports sector were cost-reflective and fair to both service providers and users.
He stated that the NSC would also ensure that service providers, provide the contracted level of service and at agreed prices and ensure that service levels are consistent with bench-marked levels as well as ensure that disputes are resolved amicably and without prejudice.
Lola Ebueku, general manger, NTA Aba , in her response, expressed readiness of her organisation to collaborate with NSC, to publicise its activities to stakeholders and other publics in the South-East region of the country.
Ebueku, observed that the Council has an important role to play in the diversification of the country’s economy, stressing that NTA is willing and ready to assist it and other agencies- government and private sectors to boost the country’s economy.
Austina Ogbonna, public relation officer, NSC, who expressed joy over NTA’s willingness to partner her organisation, promised that the Council would do everything possible to sustain the relationship. According to her, “We are going to be good collaborators to make sure that the Council renders worthy service to the importers and exporters, as it will help reduce the cost of goods and services.
