The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has said it was considering a review of processes and procedures of key agencies in the maritime industry, particularly in the area of cost of doing businesses.
The Executive Secretary of the NSC, Mr Hassan Bello, made the announcement on Monday when he visited Mr Ziakede Akpobolokemi, the Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Lagos.
Bello said the NSC recognised the significant role of NIMASA in the nation’s maritime industry.
“Primarily, it is to look at the port system and see the various parties who are involved in port operations.
“NIMASA also has tariff, processes and procedures, so we are looking at the processes and procedures of all key agencies with a view to shortening the time of transaction.
“This is because time is of the essence in cargo clearance.”
He reiterated the fact that the NSC would continue to ensure that there was no unilateral increase in tariff.
“We have to come up with competitive tariff. Tariff that will not add to the cost of doing business in Nigeria and drive cargo to our competitors,” he said.
Akpobolokemi said that dynamics in the industry required cooperation among stakeholders for desired goals to be achieved.
He said there should be no room for unhealthy competition among agencies in the industry.
“The agencies should be able to come together periodically to address issues of common interest for the good of the nation.
“We know the unique role the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is playing in terms of trade facilitation and attempts at improving marine traffic into the nation,” he said.
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