The roles played by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in the marine and general transportation eco-system of the country cannot be overemphasised.
Amongst other roles, the NSC plays advocacy and advisory roles in monitoring and advising on the general trends in both domestic and international commodity markets for the benefit of relevant stakeholders; advocating the creation of a level playing field for both service providers and service consumers and the facilitation of seamless transportation of goods and services.
In performing its regulatory functions, the Council also sets, monitors and enforces standards of service delivery, ensures stability, accessibility and adequacy of services; determines, provides and cause to be published guidelines for the registration of regulated service providers etc.
NSC also coordinates inter-modal transport; regulates market entry and exit; performs mediatory role among stakeholders; establishes accessible and modern dispute resolution mechanism; promotes efficiency in the provision of port services; and monitors and ensures compliance by all parties, with the provisions of the Port Concession Agreements, among others.
It is on this plain that we commend the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Pius Akutah, who has so far, been able make some commendable moves in the right direction.
Last month, the NSC launched the operational manual for inland dry ports. While addressing stakeholders at the sensitization and launch of the Jos Inland Dry port, NSC Executive Secretary/CEO, said the council has played a pivotal role in ensuring the development of inland dry ports across the designated locations in the country.
The NSC has also entered into a strategic partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) in order to tackle the challenges impeding cross-border trade across the nation’s land borders.
Also worthy of note is the fact that the NSC is collaborating with the federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment as well as the World Bank to simplify trade processes and procedures at the seaports, across states and regional borders in order to engender economic growth. We urge the NSC to keep the flag flying as many other areas of interest still needs attention.
