Oritsegbubemi Omatseyin
Lagos — The Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, has reaffirmed its commitment to Alternative Dispute Resolution, ADR, in addressing issues for aggrieved shippers.
The Head of Complaints Unit, Alh. Bashir Ambi stated this during a meeting with Maersk Line at the Council’s headquarters in Lagos.
He further stated that engaging with key players like Maersk Line helps the Council to advance its mission for fair trade practices and efficient operations at our ports.
During the meeting, Maersk Line’s Legal Head, Mr. Chike Oguejiofor, stated that Maersk Line has observed a drastic decrease in the number of litigations against them, courtesy of the NSC’s complaints handling mechanism. He appreciated the Council for its usual support and cooperation.
Also, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NSC Barr. Akutah Pius, has urged the Lagos State Shippers’ Association to resolve its leadership crisis, emphasising the need for unity to effectively address industry challenges.
At a meeting with the Association’s executive committee and members, Akutah said NSC as a port economic regulator will play an impartial role in resolving their differences and also protect shippers’ interests, noting that division will hinder their progress as an association.
In response, the National President of the National Shippers’ Association of Nigeria, NSAN, Engr. Innocent Akuvue, warned that a divided house cannot resolve pressing issues, particularly the shipping costs. He pleaded for unity to prevent the association’s collapse.
In his reaction, Evang Leo Ogamba, whose executives described him as the former president of the association, proposed an elongation of his tenure with the mandate of fulfilling his plans for the association.
Princess Mulikat noted that the association is unique, and it’s BOT resolution on the expiration of executive tenure should be adhered to. This necessitates a proposed date for their new election.
She added that the Ogamba-led regime should accept the conclusion of the BOT while other efforts to ensure a smooth leadership transition are put in place.
Issues with membership verification and screening were also itemized as part of the needful actions to be taken for the rancor to be resolved.
Upon a unanimous resolution, the proposed election will be held as the tenure experiment of the Ogamba-led administration motion is sustained.
