By Sani Idris-Abdulrahman
The Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC), on Tuesday in Kaduna, sensitised it stakeholders on its online portal for registration of regulated port service providers and users.
In his address, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the NSC, Pius Akutah, said in line with their vision, they have intensified efforts to promote efficiency, transparency, and compliance in the port and shipping sector.
Akutah, represented by Mrs Adaba Hannah, Deputy Director Stakeholders Services at the NSC, said the critical part of the effort is the mandatory registration of all regulated port service providers and users, in accordance with Part II, Section 4(1) of the Port Economic Regulation 2015.
He explained that the implementation of the online registration portal represents a significant milestone in the NSC's journey toward digital transformation and enhanced trade facilitation.
He also explained that with the platform, stakeholders can seamlessly register their companies online without the need for physical visits to any NSC office, provided that the necessary documentation and payments are submitted.
"This automation aligns with our broader agenda to eliminate bottlenecks, reduce bureaucracy, and promote ease of doing business in Nigeria's maritime sector.
"As the council takes proactive steps to strengthen port economic regulation, it is important to highlight the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN).
"The ICTN is a strategic initiative that enhances cargo visibility, improves revenue assurance, combats under-declaration, and strengthens national security in trade operations.
"The registration of port service providers and users is therefore a necessary component of this initiative, as it provides a structured database of all industry operators, fostering accountability, efficiency, and data-driven regulation", he said.
The CEO emphasised that the NSC would continue to engage stakeholders, enforce compliance, and advocate for an efficient, transparent, and competitive maritime industry.
He encouraged all service providers and users to complete their registration and obtain their certificates to ensure they remain compliant with industry regulations and avoid applicable sanctions.
He also urged all stakeholders to embrace the transition and support the council's efforts toward effective port economic regulation, trade facilitation, and enhanced national competitiveness.
The CEO restated the NSC's commitment to its role as the port economic regulator and its active pursue of transition into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NIPERA).
Earlier, Alhaji Ahmed Yazah, the Director, NSC North West Zone, said as a port economic regulator, they are responsible in providing and ensuring efficient and effective transport services across all modes (sea, rail and road).
Yazah also said they encourage the development of transport infrastructures such as Inland Dry Ports(IDPs), Vehicle Transit Areas (VTAs) and Border information centres(BICs) across the Nation.
In order to efficiently provide services, he said they have established six Zonal Coordinating Offices in Kano, Jos, Bauchi, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, Aba and 14 Area Offices Nationwide.
"We are confident that your continued support and commitment will enable us achieve the legislative framework that will empower NSC to address the legal issues that will assist us in dealing with challenges of trade disputes between Stakeholders in this Zone and the nation at large,"he said.
Speaking further, Ayazah, said as the nations' port economic regulator, they have addressed the issues of the year 2021 and 2023 approved tariff review for West Africa Container Terminal (WACT) and necessary clarification on the process involved.
He emphasised that the tariff adjustment were carefully done to ensure they align with the industry benchmark and current economic realities.
The director, therefore, encouraged the participants to take advantage of the sensitisation programme on how to register regulated service providers' and users of shipping services in nigeria.
He stated that the interest the stakeholders had shown in the council's programmes and activities nationwide had manifested in their efforts towards an improved efficiency in port operations.
According to him, it has reduced unnecessary delays faced by shippers at the ports and decrease in unwholesome practices by some stakeholders.
"This has led to the recovery of over N6 Billion for individuals and corporate shippers in Nigeria," he said.
One of the stakeholder, the state Coordinator of Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in Kaduna, Kabiru Yusuf, emphasised the importance of registration for shippers and exporters.
Yusuf also highlighted the collaboration between NEPC and shippers in assisting them in becoming good shippers.
He believed that knowledge is power, and having such knowledge would empower shippers to utilise services effectively.
He noted that the registration with the NSC is crucial for shippers to access benefits and services.
“The cost of registration for being an exporter or shipper is relatively low, as the goal is to facilitate export trade rather than make a profit,”he said.(NAN)


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