NSC directs port service providers to register online or face sanctions

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has introduced online registration for all regulated port service providers and users as part of efforts to eliminate bottlenecks, bureaucracy and ease of doing business in the Nigerian maritime industry. At a stakeholders’ sensitisation in Kano, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Pius Akutah said all port […]

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has introduced online registration for all regulated port service providers and users as part of efforts to eliminate bottlenecks, bureaucracy and ease of doing business in the Nigerian maritime industry.

At a stakeholders’ sensitisation in Kano, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Pius Akutah said all port service providers and users must register and obtain certificates to avoid applicable sanctions.

The CEO represented by Hannah Adaba, a deputy director, said the council will enforce compliance to provide a structured database for all industry operators for an efficient and competitive maritime industry.

“The Nigerian Shippers Council remains committed to its role as the port economic regulator and is actively pursuing its transition into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NIPERA). A critical part of this effort is the mandatory registration of all regulated port service providers and users in accordance with part 11, Section 4(1) of the port economic regulation 2015,” said Akutah.

• Shariah council president, Sheikh Hadiyyatullah, buried in Osun
• NNPCL appoints Idris, Obioma, sacks P/Harcourt refinery’s MD, 200 others

The CEO urged all stakeholders to embrace the initiative meant to enhance efficient port operations and trade facilitation.

NSC Northwest Zonal Director, Umar Yazah said the online registration would give opportunity to all stakeholders to understand the processes and procedures in shipping business and alternative dispute resolution.

Regulated port service providers and users like  Terminal operators, Shipping agents, Jetty operators, freight forwarders, clearing agents and logistics service providers who fail to register may face withdrawal of the Nigerian shippers council’s services such as confirmation of demurrage and freight rates and cancellation of licence to operate at the Nigerian ports among other sanctions.

Celestine Akujobi, Director of Consumer Affairs, NSC said Kano was chosen for the sensitisation because of the sheer size of importers and exporters operating in the state, noting that Kano is the second most important commercial city after Lagos.