By Sani Idris
The Executive Secretary (ES) of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Pius Akutah, has said that the council has saved Nigeria from spending billions by performing it statutory roles and functions.
Akutah said this on Sunday at a maiden visit to Kaduna to interact with the council’s staff and the Kaduna State Shippers Association (KSSA).
He said that the council’s dispute resolution mechanism is effective, where complains such as lost of cargoes and charges accompanied by it from owners, among others issues were handled professionally and resolved by the council.
This, he said has saved the country billions of naira.
Akutah, also said that revamping the rail transportation which is on course by the president Bola Tinubu administration would go along way in ensuring a viable means of moving cargoes from the sea port to land.
“Rail transportation is the best and most effective and cheaper means of transporting cargoes from the hinterland to the sea port”.
He recalled that the council and the Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC) had signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance rail transport integration in ports.
He explained that the collaboration, was aimed to tackling the challenges of rail transportation costs and promote the use of rail systems for efficient cargo movement.
The executive secretary disclosed that there are ongoing discussions by the federal government on the repair and use of the old light gauge which would be dedicated for cargo movements alone.
He stated that, however expensive the rail system, it is crucial to build rail lines which is ongoing by the federal government.
Describing the shippers association as a critical component of what the council does, he said they protect their interest to ensure they are very strong and work to support the activities of trade in the country.
“We are working to see how the national body of the shippers association is put together so they continue the good work they are doing,”he said.
Speaking on Cargo Defence Fund (CDF), Akutah said the initiative provides comprehensive legal and technical support to importers and exporters, including services like litigation loans, foreign legal representation, and risk management advice.
He added that the CDF would ensure that cargoes are protected and business thrives.
Commenting on the Bill for an Act to repeal the NSC Act and enact the Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill and Related Matter, he said it aims to empower the NSC to effectively regulate the shipping industry, protect the interests of shippers, and promote economic growth.
According to him, the proposed legislation would bring about “The much-needed transparency, accountability, and efficiency to the sector while strengthening the Shippers Council’s regulatory powers, reducing costs, increasing competition, and improving service delivery.”
He reassured the association of president Tinubu’s commitment in giving the country a brand new maritime sector that does not deals only with maritime activities but beyond the blue economy, while urging Nigerians to support the bill.
Also, the President of the KSSA, Augustine Achilike, said the NSC in Kaduna has over the years performed extremely well especially in development of Inland Dry Port (IDP) and bringing shipping to their doorstep.
He added that the council has conducted over six massive awareness seminars and workshop in Kaduna to enlighten their members on the importance of trade facilitation in the
hinterland and neighboring countries.
Achilike also said that IDP has formation of all clearing facilities and government agencies that their members needed not to go to Lagos port to clear goods.
He equally said their major challenges were revitalisation of the railway system which would reduce cost, time and increase volumes in their business.
He solicited for an office by the council to assist in their operations, programs and registration activities.
The president also urged the council to activate national association so as for them to speak in one voice and
support the NSC policy.
He thanked the NSC’s ES for the visit, stressing that it would go along way in boosting their morale to do more for development of shippers and the economy of the nation in general.(NAN)
