Shippers Council seeks stakeholders’ support for port automation

Toward an effcient seaport system, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has sought the support of industry stakeholders to actualise an automation status. The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Mr Hassan Bello, made the call when the agency paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on […]

Toward an effcient seaport system, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has sought the support of industry stakeholders to actualise an automation status. The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Mr Hassan Bello, made the call when the agency paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) on Tuesday. Bello said that automation would bring more revenues to the federal government and reduce human contact, as well as address unwholesome practices at the country’s ports. Describing Nigerian ports as competitive, he said the challenge has necessitated an effective automation, adding that investors would be willing to transact their business at friendly ports. The Executive Secretary maintained that the Council was given the mandate of being the economic port regulator by the federal government to set standard practices, as well as streamline the operational ef¿ ciency of Nigerian ports. Earlier, the president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dr (Mrs) Nike Akande, expressed delight that the Bello and his management team paid the LCCI a visit. According to Mrs Akande, the chamber was delighted when its officials heard the news of NSC’s transformation to an economic port regulator. “I must congratulate you on your elevation to the status of a regulator in the maritime sector. This is a great relief to our members. The business community needs protection from various operators, especially with regard to prohibitive charges,” she said. She expressed readiness of the LCCI to support the NSC’s aspiration of making Nigeria a regional maritime