Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr. Pius Akutah.

The Nigerian Port Consultative Council NPCC, has declared its support for the Nigerian Shippers’ Council NSC over its proposed self- collection of one per cent Freight Stabilisation Fee.

Speaking when he led members of the group on a courtesy visit to the Council’s headquarters in Lagos on Thursday, Chairman of the NPPC, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, urged maritime stakeholders to support the Council on the self-collection of the fee, especially given its new function of providing economic regulation for the industry.

According to him, this will go a long way in addressing the paucity of funds, adding that the Council requires proper funding for the execution of its regulatory activities.

The NPCC Chairman who also recognised the contributions of Shippers’ Council to the development of Nigeria ‘s maritime sector, reiterated the need to strengthen the regulatory powers of the Council as an Ombudsman in port operations.

A member of the NPCC, Mrs. Chinwe Ezenwa, who also spoke during the visit, said the issue of funding is a key priority that must be addressed by the government if the Council must deliver on its port economic regulatory and shippers’ interest protection functions.

Meanwhile, Executive Secretary/CEO of Council, Barr. Pius Akutah, MON, while speaking during the visit, appreciated the Chairman and members of the Consultative Council for the visit and their support.

Barr. Akutah maintained that the Council proposed the one per cent Freight Stabilisation Fee to execute its statutory activities.

He expressed optimism that the bill, which seeks to repeal the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act CAP N133 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria LFN, and the Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency recently passed the second reading at the House of Representatives. When passed into law will bring about monumental industry benefits.