From right: Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Pius MON, presents a souvenir to the acting Director, Lagos Liaison office of NESRA, Dr. Jonathan Dajel during a courtesy visit Tuesday.

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council NSC and the National Environmental Standards Regulatory Agency NESRA have committed to strengthening the existing partnership between both organisations with a view to boosting environmental regulations in the country’s seaport industry.

Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius MON, while speaking during a courtesy by the acting Director of the Lagos Liaison office of NESRA, Dr. Jonathan Dajel and his team to the Apapa, Lagos, headquarters of the NSC, noted that Council was willing to further deepen the existing relationship between both agencies of the Federal Government.

 He commended the NESRA for its crucial enforcement activities at the nation’s seaports. The NSC boss emphasised the importance of allowing NESRA to carry out its mandate unhindered at the nation’s seaport.

The NSC CEO, some of the top directors of the Council and some of the visiting officials of NESRA during the visit

He further highlighted the of the Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, to sustainable ocean resource management and called on NESRA to ratify and domesticate its agreements for mutual benefit.

He also stressed the need for synergy among government agencies, emphasising collaboration over antagonism.

Meanwhile, Dr. Dajel, who spoke earlier, sought more partnership and cooperation with the Council as the Port Economic Regulator, citing challenges in accessing port terminals for the enforcement environmental regulatory standards.

He emphasised Nigeria’s signatory status to international environmental conventions and NESRA’s role in issuing Ballast Water Management Certificates to regulate marine pollution.

Both parties expressed support for collaboration, recognising the potential of such partnerships to enhance efficiency of seaport operations and environmental sustainability.