The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Akutah Pius, MON has commended the Management and Staff of the Council for their dedication and selfless service throughout the last one year.
Akutah stated this at a media parley held in Lagos recently to commemorate his one year in office.
‘’The milestone achievements recorded so far in office would not have been possible without the support that I have received from my Management and Staff of the Council. Really appreciate every one for your support’, he added.
Barr. Akutah appreciated the Council’s media team, the Complaints Unit and other Units and Department for their continuous support towards meeting the Council’s aspirations.
The NSC boss also emphasized the need to strengthen the maritime logistics and infrastructures.
‘‘As the nation’s Port Economic Regulator, we are exploring partnerships with global shipping companies to invest in Nigeria’s facilities and support this vision.
We extracted commitments from some of these companies, and we expect to make real progress over the next year’’, he added.
‘‘The shipping subsector of the economy is crucial. Our ports are dependent on the arrival of ships, so our partnership with shipping companies is vital for trade and economic growth. Connectivity within the African region remains a major problem. Goods have to route through Europe before reaching other African destinations, which increases both time and cost’’.
According to him, Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the nation’s Port Economic Regulator has made significant strides towards transforming the maritime industry.
‘‘We have managed to push forward incisive initiatives many stakeholders consider critical for the development of the sector.
Speaking on the Council’s bill, Akutah was optimistic that the Bill which is presently before the upper house would soon be given concurrence and assent by the President.The Bill, he said, is a major initiative that will reposition the maritime sector.
He also harped on the importance of African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), adding that AfCFTA has opened the African markets to over 1.5billion people with a combined market price of $4 trillion.
