Guardian Nigeria
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has emphasised its commitment to fulfill Federal Government’s mandate to prioritise non-oil sector diversification.To this end, the NSC said it is is collaborating with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) on port automation to reduce human contact and streamline cargo clearance procedures.
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Pius Akutah, made this statement during a two-day working visit to Port Harcourt and Onne ports with the agency’s management team.
This announcement followed complaints from stakeholders about various challenges, such as the Federal Government’s failure to provide an enabling environment for shippers, NPA’s inability to refund payments for un-rendered services, and shippers’ refusal to refund payments made by freight forwarders even after containers are returned.
Additional issues at the eastern ports include multiple taxation on single container by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), high and unstable dollar exchange rates, and the requirement for certificates from multiple government agencies for a single container or cargo, complicating the work of freight forwarders.
There are also concerns about the neglect of Warri, Calabar, and Area 1 Ports, as well as non-availability of rail lines to facilitate business operations at the ports.
The Shippers’ Council boss assured that the Federal Government is committed to creating an enabling environment for investors and businesses by addressing deteriorated infrastructure at the ports, ensuring the eastern ports are included in the improvements.
Akutah highlighted that enhancing rail connectivity would reduce haulage transportation costs, making Nigeria an attractive investment hub. He assured stakeholders at the Eastern Ports that their challenges will be addressed by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, with appropriate solutions provided.
Akutah underscored the importance of engagement, promising continued collaboration with port stakeholders. He said the NSC is also advocating for a bill to transform the agency into the Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency.
Also speaking, the Port Manager of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Area 1 Port, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Mrs. Kenechi Okezie, assured stakeholders of the NPA’s efforts to refund outstanding payments and fulfill agreements with BUA regarding the provision of truck parking slots and the construction of an exit road.
On multiple charges by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), the Customs Area Comptroller (CAC) of Area 1 Command, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Mustapha Hashim, explained that charges are based on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) dollar exchange rate.
He noted that some bottlenecks experienced by shippers and port users do not apply at Area 1 Port, asking for the utilisation of the newly opened Ibeto Port Terminal for enhanced service delivery and business efficiency.
