Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, the Minister of Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola and the Shipping Association of Nigeria (SAN) have expressed support for the amendment of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act to give it commercial regulatory powers in the maritime sector.
Speaking during a public hearing on a bill to repeal and re-enact the Shippers’ Council and Economic Regulatory Bill in Abuja on Monday, Abbas stated that the creation of the regulatory body aims to enhance economic growth, development, and diversification, and to strengthen the newly formed ministry.
He said the amendment of the NSC Act seeks to ensure that the proposed agency establishes an economic regulatory framework for effective and efficient regulation of commercial and related activities in the shipping and port sectors and to create an enabling environment for private sector participation in the provision and operation of regulated services in Nigeria, amongst others.
“The amended bill encompasses critical provisions addressing several key areas essential for the effective functioning of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
“It details the structure and responsibilities of the management and staff, establishing a clear governance framework that defines roles and qualifications to ensure competent oversight.
“The bill lays out financial provisions, specifying guidelines for the allocation, management, and auditing of funds, which is crucial for maintaining financial integrity and providing the Council with the necessary resources to perform its duties.
“The bill also addresses offences and penalties, outlining specific non-compliance issues and their corresponding penalties,” he said.
While canvassing the need to establish the regulatory agency, the Minister of Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola said it would improve the nation’s economy.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Oloruntola Olufemi, the Minister said it would be a welcome development if the bill became an act.
The chairman of the House Committee on Shipping Services, Abdulsamad Dasuki (PDP, Sokoto) promised to provide the legislative framework that would allow the bill to become an act.
“This proposal is aimed at providing the regulatory framework aimed at providing the enabling environment in Nigeria.”
In their presentation, the Shipping Line Association of Nigeria made a strong case for the establishment of the agency, saying it would improve efficiency and lower costs.
The chairman of the association, Boma Alabi (SAN) said that any act that will improve efficiency, lower cost, and reduce the bottleneck that currently faced at the port will be most welcome.
Boma said the ports cost the country twice as much as others in the region, such as the Benin Republic.
“We must be more efficient, and we welcome this regulatory agency that will be created to make things more efficient.
“We have expressed our concern internally and externally, and this committee, which has been involved in this process, must work on some areas of concern.
“There are aspects that should be expunged, like sections 40, 42, 52, and a few others; we understand the reason behind this.
“We need to put in some checks and balances so that those in the saddle will not abuse it,” she said.
The public hearing was jointly organised by the House Committee on Shipping Services, Port and Harbor, Maritime Safety, Education, and Administration.
