Shipper’s Council Hails New Port Order

From Victor Seyi, Ilorin

Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Hassan Bello, has disclosed that the introduction of New Port Order in Nigerian would put an end to disputes arising from ports
clearing and other processes.
Bello, who stated this while speaking at a seminar on “Ports Regulation: A stimulus to effective and efficient import\export business in hinterland”, in Ilorin at the weekend, said all stakeholders involved in shipping have been consulted on the new reform.
Bello said: “You would recalled that by 2004,Nigerian Ports became grossly inefficient and therefore unable to compete favourable with other ports in West and Central Africa sub-region due to numerous factors that have made them not only costlier but also unfriendly to port users.”
He noted that as a result of diversion of cargoes to the neighbouring West African countries, the Federal Government decided to introduced Port Reform, which led to concession of seaport terminals to private operators in 2006.
The Council chief said in 2014, the Federal Government appointed Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the Ports Economic Regulator to moderate the behaviour of the various private and public operators and ensure sanity in the industry.
Bello said: “Upon this appointment, the Council made series of consultations with several stakeholders including Shipping companies, seaport terminal operators and government agencies in order to sensitise them and get their support and understanding towards evolving the required New Port Order that will usher in fair pricing of port services.
“This will also usher in automation, efficiency in services delivery, cost effectiveness and timely amicable resolution of disputes and general ease of cargo clearing processes.
“Such a port system will eliminate delays and consequently remedy the problem of accumulation of shipping company demurrage and terminal rent.”
A guest Speaker at the seminar, Assistant Director, Consumer Affairs Department, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr Moses Olayemi Fadipe, said with “the noble history and operation of the Council, it is obvious that the council is poised to transform the Nigerian Ports Sector for better performance in line with global industry standards.”