Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Maritime Advocacy Foundation (MAF) has voiced strong opposition to the National Assembly’s proposal to repeal the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act (Cap.133 LFN 2004) and replace it with a new agency.
The organization warns that this move would severely undermine the interests and contributions of Nigerian shippers to the nation’s economy. MAF is calling on the government and public to resist the legislative changes, which are scheduled for a public hearing on May 27, 2024, by the Federal House of Representatives’ Committee on Shipping Services.
During a press conference held on Friday in Lagos, Dr. Eugene Nweke, MAF’s Head of Publicity, emphasized the critical role of shippers in global trade, describing them as the “proverbial hen that lays the golden eggs in transportation.”
He highlighted that shippers are fundamental to job creation and economic sustainability, serving as key players in import and export activities.
Dr. Nweke detailed that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is globally recognized for its roles in trade, financial exchange, and transport initiatives, which bolster global transport activities and sustain the economies of nations.
He criticized the proposed legislative changes as a significant setback for Nigeria’s shipping industry, describing the repeal of the Nigerian Shippers Council Act as a “deliberate insult to the wisdom of our nation’s founding fathers.”
According to Dr. Nweke, the move undermines the interests of Nigerian shippers who have significantly contributed to job creation and revenue generation.
“The shippers are vital initiators of trade, financial exchange, and transport activities, which bolster global economies,” Dr. Nweke stated.
He elaborated on international conventions like the Hague, Hague-Visby, and Hamburg Rules that govern the relationships between ship owners and cargo owners, ensuring fair practices and protecting shippers’ rights.
MAF pointed out that the current Nigerian Shippers Council Act, which evolved from the 1978 decree, has effectively protected shippers’ interests for decades. The Council’s functions are essential for maintaining economic and trading stability, providing advisory services, evaluating trade climates, and ensuring fair competition and satisfactory delivery services in the logistics chain.
“The repeal of the Act would remove protections against unfair trade practices and economic instability,” Dr. Nweke warned. He urged the Ministers of Transportation and Marine & Blue Economy to oppose the bill and protect the interests of Nigerian shippers.
In conclusion , Dr. Nweke called on the press and the public to join MAF in resisting the repeal of the Nigerian Shippers Council Act.
“We must counteract the activities of those undermining our national interests. Protecting our shippers is crucial for sustaining economic growth and job creation in Nigeria,” he asserted.