The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Akutah Pius, MON has highlighted the role the agency has played as well as the prospects recorded through its regulatory activities at the ports as the nation’s Port Economic Regulator.
Barr. Akutah, who was represented at 2024 Annual seminar for maritime journalists was represented by the Director, Special Duties Department, Alh. Mustapha Zubairu, who spoke extensively on the Council’s activities towards enhancing the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
The NSC boss, said that the Council’s regulatory activities necessitates its transformation into Nigerian Shipping & Port Regulatory Agency, adding that the bill when passed into law would give the Council the strong legal framework to execute its mandate.
He also attributed incessant resistance from port service providers and government agencies as challenges facing its operations at the ports.
He heighted other identified challenges inhibiting port operations in the country.
In his address, the Chief Executive Officer, First Mediacon Limited, Mr. Sesan Onileimo commended Nigerian Shippers’ Council for ensuring continuity of the seminar for the past nine years, describing it as an incisive initiative put together for maritime journalists.
He also noted that the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill and its potential in revolutionize the maritime industry.
In an interview with the SHIPPER, the Chief Executive Officer, Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprises, Dr. Muda Yusuf lamented the weak regulatory framework in the maritime sector, thereby calling for a review of the maritime policies.
He highlighted the importance of media support for sensitizing stakeholders about the NSC’s bill and its implication.
“In a sector dominated by monopolists, it is very imperative to have a regulator”, he added.
The Group Head, Corporate Communication, Sifax Group, Mr. Olumuyiwa Akande said the seminar afforded the maritime journalists the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and provide more informed reporting on the nation’s maritime sector.
A maritime journalist, Mr. Tola Adenubi, emphasized the need for the media to promote the passage of the regulatory bill which would address inefficiencies and reduce excessive port charges.
