Nigerian Shippers' Council Saves Nigeria Billions Through Effective Conflict Resolution and Strategic Partnerships

The Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) has reportedly saved Nigeria billions of Naira by effectively carrying out its mandated duties and responsibilities. This was revealed by NSC Executive Secretary Pius Akutah during his first visit to Kaduna on Sunday, where he met with representatives from the State Shippers Association and council employees.

Akutah highlighted the success of the council's conflict resolution process, noting that it has significantly strengthened the NSC’s role. He explained that the council professionally handled and resolved various complaints from cargo owners, including issues related to cargo loss and associated fees.

In a bid to provide a more practical means of transporting cargo from the seaport, Akutah pointed out that President Bola Tinubu's administration is on track to revitalize rail transit in the country. He emphasized, “Rail transportation is the best, most effective, and cheapest means of transporting cargo from the hinterland to the seaport.”

Akutah also mentioned that the Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC) and the NSC had signed a memorandum of understanding to improve rail transport integration at ports. This partnership aims to address the challenges of high rail transportation costs and to promote the use of rail networks for efficient cargo transit.

The executive secretary further revealed that the Federal Government is in ongoing negotiations to repair and repurpose the old light gauge railway, which would be dedicated solely to cargo traffic. He praised the Federal Government’s efforts to modernize the rail system despite the high costs involved, stressing the importance of building rail lines to support the country’s trade activities.

According to Akutah, the shippers association plays a crucial role in the NSC’s work by upholding the nation’s trade activities and protecting the interests of its members. “We are working to see how the national body of the shippers association is put together so they can continue the good work they are doing,” Akutah said.

He also discussed the Cargo Defence Fund (CDF), which provides importers and exporters with comprehensive legal and technical support, including risk management counseling, litigation loans, and international legal representation.

Addressing the Bill for an Act to Repeal the NSC Act and Enact the Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill and Related Matters, Akutah explained that the bill aims to grant the NSC greater authority to properly regulate the shipping industry, protect shippers' interests, and promote economic growth. He added that the proposed law would bring much-needed accountability, transparency, and efficiency to the industry.