The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has expressed its readiness to partner with the Nigerian Chapter of Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) for effective training and capacity development of its organization.
Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Hassan Bello stated this in Lagos when he received the officials of ICS led by its Chairman Capt. S. Olarewaju who paid him a courtesy call in Lagos.
Bello said the working visit which is timely came at the time when the Ministry of transportation is taking stock to synergize all aspect of shipping.
According to him, NSC being the economic regulator of the ports has the role of advising government on macro-economic issues as it affects shipping and transportation.
He said in order to achieve that, there is the need for the Council to seek knowledge on types of ships, vessels, the configurations and trade routes which is very important to the Council and hope the institution will be able to provide that.
He added that the Council need to know about the different branches of shipping like freight forwarding, consolidation of cargoes which will all help in advising the government especially now that Nigerian Shippers Council is the Chairman of the Nigerian Fleet Implementation Committee.
The Chief Executive also pointed out the need for awareness about the indigenous shipping and people that will operate ships in Nigeria.
He said “If you control the means of transportation, you control the trade. There is the need for us to own and operate ships in order to boost our economy through the earning that we will get. It is not right to leave it in the hands of foreigners to control the shipping, make money in our country and go”.
He therefore called on the institute to strategize and initiate efforts that will put Nigeria on a pedestal to control and own its ships and not leaving it in the hands of foreigners. He tasked the institute to be worthy partners for Nigerians to go and take over and restore shipping.
He also advised that our insurance companies and financial institutions should also be involved.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Institution, Capt. Olarewaju called for patronage and support from the Council by sponsoring its workforce on short and long term professional and skill development programmes of the institute.
The ICS boss informed that the Institute of Chartered Ship Brokers London was brought to Nigeria in order to make our economy grow better. He commended the Council for its meaningful contributions to the nation’s maritime sector.
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