The need to protect investments in the maritime sector informed the Federal Government’s decision to appoint Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) as port economic regulator, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council, Barrister Hassan Bello, has disclosed.
Bello who was represented by the Director Shipping Services and Development of the NSC, Mrs. Dabney Shall-Holma said this in Lagos on Friday at the 2014 annual conference of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Nigeria
Bello said there is need for the investors to be protected from unstable government policies and to create conducive environment for them to operate.
He said, “The need for the creation of an economic regulator include guaranteeing stability and building of confidence in the industry and also for the promotion and protection of the national economy for the benefit of all.
“We also perform mediation role among stakeholders and establish accessible and modern dispute resolution mechanism and ensure that our ports operate at global standards.
“All ports businesses are conducted with integrity and transparency with sustomer service delivery very apt.
“We must understand that effective economic regulation goes beyond just the regulator, it also involves the buy-in, cooperation and support of all stakeholders in the industry.
“All stakeholders here assembled must join hands together and obey the rules of engagement in this very important industry if we are to take our rightful place as a viable emerging economy.”
Speaking earlier in his welcome address, President of the institute, retired Maj. Gen. Umar Usman said logistics and transport play important roles in the socio-economic development of any nation and must be taken seriously.
Usman said that the enactment of a bill that would provide the legal backing for the regulation of transportation practice in Nigeria was essential.
“The efficient functioning of transport system depends on the availability of suitable professionals and requisite infrastructure,” Usman said even as he urged all stakeholders to give CILT Nigeria the necessary support for effective contribution to the development of the society.
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