Vincent Toritseju
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the Nigerian Shippers Council in Lagos, Chairman of the NPCC, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, said that as an advocacy group, it will do all it can to ensure that the Council funding is increased in the Bill at the National Assembly so that it can carry out its statutory functions effectively.
Sunmola also said that it was only Nigerian Shippers Council that is empowered by law to regulate the maritime industry adding that there will be conflict of interest if other agencies were allowed to do same.
He opined that if the Council was not buoyant enough, it cannot regulate the industry effectively.
Speaking to the Executive Secretary of the Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, Sunmola stated: “The NPCC is studying the Oronsaye’s report as it affects the maritime industry and we promise to support your drive for increase revenue so you can function effectively for the good of the industry.
“If you are not financially stable, you cannot regulate the industry and if other agencies regulate the industry, there will be conflict of interest.
“Your drive for Internally Generated Revenue should be de-emphasized, instead your administrative function should be played up even while pushing for the amendment of your Act.”
In his comments, Akutah said the Oronsaye’s report recommended that the Shippers’ Council should be self-funding adding that the agency is also proposing an increase in its Port Stabilization levy from one percent to three percent.
He explained that what the Council receives today is so small that it makes it difficult to plan and this comes every quarter.
