The Federal Government has said it will continue to provide conducive working environment for the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), that will facilitate the disposal of overtime cargoes at all ports in the country and pave way for effective and efficient service delivery.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola disclosed this during a working visit to the NSC Headquarters in Lagos.
A statement by Henshaw Ogubike Director (Press & Public Relations) at the ministry pointed out that Oyetola assured the Council that government would look into their challenges and effect necessary reforms where needed for the success of the Blue Economy agenda of the current administration.
The Minister who was pleased with the contributions and level of achievements recorded by the Management of the Council, however, decried the deplorable condition of the ports, saying “the rots and cracks in the ports infrastructure, over staying of cargoes at the ports, excesses of foreign fishing firms is discouraging”.
He added that long bureaucratic processes are major factors responsible for elongated cargo clearance time, thereby frustrating shippers and leading to the jettisoning of their containers at ports.
The Minister stated that he would engage the leadership of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) on the issue of abandoned cargoes at the ports in a bid to evacuate overtime cargoes and address other bottlenecks.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of the NSC, Emmanuel Jime highlighted issues requiring urgent attention to include the amendment of NSC Act to institute effective port economic regulation.
In addition, Jime said that the NSC is a laboratory where policy making that drives the marine space is being regulated, adding that its objective is to ensure that Nigeria is the Maritime Hub in the sub- Western Region.
The NSC boss disclosed that the actualization of one-percent (1%) freight stabilization fee on import and export to Shippers Council as enshrined in the NSC Subsidiary Legislation; implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN); establishment of a National Fleet, among others are the current concerns of the council.
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