In a bid to appreciate the efforts of the major stakeholders in the shipping industry, the Complaints Unit of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council organized a “Stakeholders Appreciation Night” last week to congratulate stakeholders on their immerse contribution towards the growth and development of the transport sector.
While addressing at the press at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr. Hassan Bello revealed that the Council received complaints daily from several stakeholders through the Complaints unit and he commended the stakeholders for their efforts towards resolving several anomalies in the industry.
“We receive complaints daily from stakeholders and most times we have to go into the field to see the appropriate agencies such as Customs, shipping companies, terminal operators etc. Today we are appreciating the immense support that these stakeholders have given us because they make our job easier. This has also created a good synergy and that is why we do this ‘appreciation’ very year to thank the stakeholders so that we can have more productive years in future” Hassan said.
Despite conveying the federal government’s threat to revoke licenses of some Inland Container Depots concessionaires recently, Hassan Bello also had praises for the concessionaires as he noted that in the past few weeks, most concessionaires have made progress.
“Last week, I was with the Governor of Borno state to discuss the ICD coming up in that state and we have seen a step up in activities in several places where these dry ports are sited and I am sure that we will be signing a new agreement very soon.”
According to Hassan, this new agreement will bring about a new milestone in the next 18 months as the construction of these dry ports is expected to have taken off. However, he added, “If we find problems or perceive inability to complete the construction, we will have no option but to terminate the concession”.
The Minister of Transport, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of Transportation, Alhaji Sabiu Zakari also expressed his unreserved appreciation to all the stakeholders present as well as those who were working towards the growth and development of the of the transport sector.
He said in his statement “that all efforts should be geared towards ensuring that the nation develops its ports to attain international best standards”
Some of the awardees spoke on the importance of the awards to them and also the necessity for such a gathering.
Mr. Patrick Birds, General Manager at Intel’s Nigeria said that it was an honour to be celebrated by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
“It’s a great night and we’re pleased to be recognized by the Shippers’ Council for working in Nigeria and we hope to remain in partnership with the government of Nigeria and continue to invest for the long term” he said.
Mr. Patrick maintained that despite the downturn in business in 2016, things would return to the heydays in the shipping industry soonest.
“Things will pick up soon and we’re working with all of our customers to provide the best services we can” He added.
Meanwhile, Mr. Nelsen Thomas, General Manager at Alraine Shipping Agencies also expressed satisfaction at the recognition and commended the Shippers’ Council.
He also stated that despite the economic recession, he was hopeful that it would come to an end as it isn’t the first time Nigeria has been in recession.
