The Nigerian Shoppers’ Council (NSC) has commenced enforcement of mandatory registration of all regulated port service providers and users to promote efficiency and transparency in the port sector.

Besides, NSC is strengthening port economic registration as part of measures for the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) in Nigeria.

Executive Secretary of NSC, Pius Akutah, made the disclosure on Tuesday at a stakeholders’ engagement on the council’s entrenchment of an automated shipping system in Kano.

Akutah said NSC is actively pursuing its transition into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency through digital transformation and enhanced trade facilitation.

The Shippers’ boss, who emphasised the urgent need for stakeholders to key into the council’s designated online portal for the registration of regulated port service providers and users, added that the automation of port service was part of a broader agenda to eliminate bottlenecks during shipping.

Akutah, represented by Deputy Director, Stakeholders Services, Hanna Adaba, explained that registration of port service is a necessary component of ICTN, which provides a structured database of all industry operators.

“NSC will continue to engage stakeholders, enforce compliance, and advocate for an efficient, transparent, and competitive maritime industry.

“I encourage all service providers and users to complete their registration and obtain their certificates to ensure they remain compliant with industry registrations and avoid applicable sanctions,” Akutah said.

NSC Director, North West zone, Alh. Ahmed Umar Yazah, said the stakeholders’ registration sensitisation forum was organised to acquaint exporters and
importers from the zone with the basic understanding, process, and procedures on digitalisation.

Yazah noted that NSC provides stakeholders with the necessary infrastructure and established six zonal coordinating offices and 14 area offices to facilitate the port economy in the country.
In their separate reactions, stakeholders in attendance called for more efficient services and technology to reduce the loss of cargo and improve conflict resolution in the sector.