The Nigerian Port Consultative Council (NPCC), has declared its support for the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s move for self- collection of one percent freight stabilization fee as administrative charge in the port industry as the Port Economic Regulator even as the Council is currently seeking a 3 per cent of the fee in its establishment amendment bill at the National Assembly..
The Chairman of the NPPC, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, stated this when he led members of the group on a courtesy visit to the Council’s Headquarters in Lagos, last week.
Sunmola said that in addressing the paucity of funds, the Council requires proper funding in the execution of its regulatory activities, especially with the pressure on the need for self-funding now precipitated by the Steve Oronsaye report on right-sizing of agencies and ministries of the government..
The NPCC Chairman who recognized the contributions of Shippers’ Council to the development of Nigeria‘s maritime sector, reiterated the need to strengthen the regulatory power of the Council as ombudsmen in port operations while calling for collaboration and synergy among stakeholders and agencies in the marine and blue economy industry.
Some members of the NPCC, who were in the delegation were united on the need to strengthen the Council. In her speech,Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, said the issue of funding is a key priority that must be addressed by the government.
While Barr. Emmanuel Nwagbara stated the need for the Council’s amendment bill which has passed second reading at the National Assembly to be vigorously pursued with the accompanying legislative politics, he sought for the preview of the Bill to ensure legislative correctness.
On his part, Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu advised on the need for the Council’s leadership to close rank with other agency heads, while admonishing on the use of appropriate diction and diplomacy to achieve the intended plans and the administrative charges for the Council.
In his response, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Akutah, appreciated the Chairman and members of the Consultative Council for the visit and their support.
Barr. Akutah stated that the Council proposed 3 per cent freight stabilization fee in the coming Act to execute its statutory activities but it has one per cent FSF being enforced as a statutory right.
He expressed optimism that the bill which seeks to repeal the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act CAP N133 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (LFN), and next the Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency recently passed the Second Reading by the House Committee on Shipping Services and the bill when passed into law will bring about monumental industry benefits
