How We Saved Nigeria Billions of Naira – NSC

 

 

The Executive Secretary (ES), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Pius Akutah, has said the body has saved Nigeria from spending billions of Naira by carrying out its statutory roles and functions.

Akutah said this on Sunday during his first visit to Kaduna to interact with council staff and the State Shippers Association (KSSA)

He said the Council’s dispute resolution mechanism was effective and had strengthened its operation.

According to Akutah, complaints such as those relating to loss of cargo and related expenses by owners, among other issues, have been handled professionally and resolved by the board.

He also said that the rail transport revamp, initiated by the administration of President Bola Tinubu, would go a long way in ensuring a viable means of moving goods from the seaport to the mainland.

Akutah said: “Rail transport is the best, most efficient and economical means of transporting goods from the hinterland to the seaport.”

He recalled that the council and the Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC) signed a memorandum of understanding to improve the integration of rail transport at ports.

Akutah explained that the collaboration aimed to address the cost challenges of rail transport and promote the use of rail systems for efficient freight transportation.

The executive secretary revealed that discussions are underway by the federal government on the repair and utilization of the old light gauge, which will be dedicated exclusively to freight transport.

He said that as expensive as the rail system was, it was essential to build rail lines, praising the federal government’s efforts to renovate them.

Describing the freight forwarders association as a key component of what the council does, he said they protect their interests to ensure they are very strong and work to support business in the country.

Akutah said: “We are working to see how the national body of the freight forwarders association will be structured so that it can continue the good work it is doing.”

Speaking about the Cargo Defence Fund (CDF), he said that the initiative provides comprehensive legal and technical support to importers and exporters.

They include services such as litigation loans, overseas legal representation and risk management advice.

He added that CDF would ensure cargo protection and business prosperity.

Akutah also commented on the bill to repeal the NSC Act and promulgate the Ports and Shipping Economic Regulatory Agency and Related Matters bill.

He said the aim is to empower the NSC to effectively regulate the shipping industry, protect the interests of shippers and promote economic growth.

According to him, the proposed legislation would bring much-needed transparency, accountability and efficiency to the sector.

It will also strengthen the council’s regulatory powers, reducing costs, increasing competition and improving service delivery.

Akutah reassured the association of Tinubu’s commitment to giving the country a whole new maritime sector, one that is not just about maritime activities but goes beyond the blue economy.

Further, KSSA Chairman Augustine Achilike said that over the years, the NSC in the State has achieved excellent results, especially in the development of the Inland Dry Port (IDP) and door-to-door marine transportation.

He added that the council has conducted more than six awareness seminars and workshops on the importance of facilitating trade in the hinterland and neighbouring countries.

Achilike also said that the IDP has trained all customs clearance facilities and government agencies so that their members do not have to go to Lagos port to clear goods.

He further stated that their main challenge is the revitalization of the railway system, which would reduce costs, time and increase the volumes of their business.

Achilike also asked the board to open an office to assist him in his operational activities, programs and records.

The President also urged the Council to activate the national association to speak with one voice and support the NSC policy.

He thanked Akuteh for the visit, stressing that it would go a long way in boosting the morale of the citizens, prompting them to put more effort into the development of freight forwarders and the nation’s economy in general.

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