In other to find a feasible way of resolving disputes in the maritime sector, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) says it will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with shipping companies.
The Executive Secretary of the council, Barr. Hassan Bello, disclosed this to reporters in an interview in Lagos on Friday.
Bello noted that the agreement will look into the tariffs that currently exist and if the memorandum is signed, it will have a positive impact on the maritime industry.
He said,“We act on complaints we received from shippers generally.
“So, it is important we look at the operations of shipping companies and even if you take container deposits, it should be returned within four days so that freight forwarders will continue with their business.
Bello said there was need to look into the whole container deposit’s regime and the issue of specific regulations to enable the operations fall in line with international best practices.
He said the council had embarked on periodic engagement with stakeholders to ensure all the port operators keyed into the Ease of Doing Business initiative of government.
The NSC boss said if all the stakeholders keyed into the Federal Government’s initiative on Ease of Doing Business, Nigeria could have good rating by the World Bank.
He said rating Nigeria high by the World Bank would attract more investors to the country and this would consequently reduce unemployment.