Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, Barr. Akutah Pius, has re- affirmed the agency’s commitment to promote port efficiency and attainment of regional maritime hubs.
Akutah stated this when the National President of the Association Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents, ANLCA, Mr. Emenike Nwokeoji, led an ANLCA team on a courtesy visit to the NSC’s headquarters in Lagos.
Akutah said that NSC as Port Economic Regulator promotes seamless trade, noting that the agency is not interested in the high cost which is at the detriment of business, but to moderate charges and enhance the ease of doing business.
He informed the ANLCA team that a committee is looking at the issue of freight rates and charges, adding that the Council will strengthen the committee to enable them meet their aspirations.
He also said that the Federal government through the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy is promoting the port infrastructures to make the port a haven for shipping and business operations.
Akutah harped on the importance of the Council’s Bill, which is presently at the Senate. The bill, when given the assent by the President, will give the NSC the power to regulate the maritime sector, adding that the agency will address anomalies in port operations.
According to him, the law will empower the Council to effectively carry out its regulatory activities at the ports.
Speaking of the Port Standing Task Team, PSTT, Akutah stressed that the Council received a directive that the PSTT in the Eastern Port should continue with their operations.
