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| Executive Secretary, NSC, Mr Hassan Bello |
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has said it
was considering a review of processes and procedures of key agencies in the
maritime industry, particularly in the area of cost of doing businesses.
was considering a review of processes and procedures of key agencies in the
maritime industry, particularly in the area of cost of doing businesses.
The Executive Secretary of the NSC, Mr Hassan Bello,
made the announcement on Monday when he visited Mr Ziakede Akpobolokemi, the
Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency
(NIMASA) in Lagos.
Bello said the NSC recognised the significant role of
NIMASA in the nation’s maritime industry.
“Primarily, it is to look at the port system and see
the various parties who are involved in port operations.
the various parties who are involved in port operations.
“NIMASA also has tariff, processes and procedures, so
we are looking at the processes and procedures of all key agencies with a view
to shortening the time of transaction.
we are looking at the processes and procedures of all key agencies with a view
to shortening the time of transaction.
“This is because time is of the essence in cargo
clearance.”
clearance.”
He reiterated the fact that the NSC would continue to
ensure that there was no unilateral increase in tariff.
ensure that there was no unilateral increase in tariff.
“We have to come up with competitive tariff. Tariff
that will not add to the cost of doing business in Nigeria and drive cargo
to our competitors,” he said.
that will not add to the cost of doing business in Nigeria and drive cargo
to our competitors,” he said.
Akpobolokemi said that dynamics in the industry
required cooperation among stakeholders for desired goals to be achieved.
required cooperation among stakeholders for desired goals to be achieved.
He said there should be no room for unhealthy
competition among agencies in the industry.
competition among agencies in the industry.
“The agencies should be able to come together
periodically to address issues of common interest for the good of the nation.
periodically to address issues of common interest for the good of the nation.
“We know the unique role the Nigerian Shippers’
Council is playing in terms of trade facilitation and attempts at improving
marine traffic into the nation,” he said.
Council is playing in terms of trade facilitation and attempts at improving
marine traffic into the nation,” he said.
