NIGERIAN SHIPPERS COUNCIL REGISTERS 160 PORT STAKEHOLDERS IN REGULATED PORT SERVICE PROVIDER AND USERS PLATFORM

The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has achieved a significant milestone by enrolling 160 port stakeholders into its Regulated Port Service Provider and Users platform since its inception in 2023.

This disclosure was made by the Executive Secretary of NSC, Mr. Pius Akutah, during a sensitization program held for port operators in Lagos. The program, themed "Regulated Port Service Provider and Users," aimed to educate stakeholders about the platform's processes and benefits.

Represented by Director Consumer Affairs, Chief Cajetan Agu, Akutah underscored the importance of the program for stakeholders, emphasizing its role in enhancing operational efficiency within the ports.

Akutah revealed that the sensitization program marked the second edition since its launch in the last quarter of 2023. The 160 registered port operators comprise various entities, including agencies, terminal operators, shipping companies, individual port users, and service providers.

"We invited the ports stakeholders to enlighten them on the processes for online registration of Regulated Port Service Provider and Users. We have demonstrated to them how to register and make payments, presenting the various categories of registration," Akutah explained.

He further outlined the payment structure, indicating varying fees for different groups based on their operations. For instance, shippers pay N30,000, while terminal operators and shipping companies pay N300,000. Additionally, truckers contribute N30,000, with some paying up to N100,000, depending on their classification.

Akutah highlighted the benefits of the platform, including facilitating reduced port charges and enhancing collaboration between stakeholders to improve operational efficiency.

The Deputy Director, Stakeholders Service, NSC, Mr. Celestine Akujobi, emphasized the importance of the sensitization exercise in bringing all port stakeholders together to streamline operations and address challenges effectively.

Akujobi expressed satisfaction with the turnout, indicating stakeholders' awareness of the council's regulatory role. He confirmed that implementation would commence once all operators have integrated into the portal, with sanctions for defaulters expected before the end of 2024.

Dr. Ifeanyi Emoh, Vice Chairman of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwards (NAGAFF), highlighted the magnitude of port challenges, urging the council to regulate other government agencies to mitigate indiscriminate charges.

Mr. Abayomi Duyile, representing the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents, commended NSC for fostering alignment between government agencies and port users through the sensitization program.

Mr. Raheem Morufu, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of NEXUS Association of Maritime Truckers Operators (NAMTOP), acknowledged challenges in the registration process but praised NSC for intervention in addressing overcharging issues by shipping companies.