Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill, which aims to enhance the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s (NSC) port regulatory powers and the maritime sector, has passed the second reading at the House of Representatives and has now been sent to the Senate deliberation.

The Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer of the council, Pius Akutah, disclosed this during the opening ceremony of the 2024 operational retreat for middle-level management officers of the council in Lagos.

Akutah explained that despite the Senate’s readiness, the passage of the bill, which seeks to repeal the NSC Act Cap N133 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, was delayed due to discussions on the supplementary budget, causing the Senate to adjourn without addressing the bill.

He said the National Assembly has since gone on recess but remained confident that the Senate will pass the bill promptly once they reconvene.

“Just last week, the House of Representatives passed our bill. That is a big step in the right direction. Also, just this last Tuesday, the Senate was poised to pass the bill so that it begins to prepare for Presidential Assent. We were there at the National Assembly up until 11.00 p.m., but because of the supplementary budget, that line on the order paper of the Senate was not taken.

“The Senate has gone on recess, but we believe that as soon as they are back that law will be passed,” he said.

Akutah stressed that the bill’s passage would enable the council to transition from a regulatory body that merely advises to one that can enforce compliance robustly.

Akutah expressed gratitude for the unwavering support of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who has been pivotal in crafting policies to bolster the sector’s contribution to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

He highlighted the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s crucial role in advancing the country’s economy and emphasised that the new legislation will empower the council to enforce regulations more effectively, thus benefiting the entire sector.

Akutah called on the council’s staff, describing them as the agency’s “engine room,” to continue their dedicated efforts in ensuring the sector’s success and achieving the government’s economic objectives.