Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has reaffirmed its readiness to become the Port Economic Regulatory Agency as the Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill 2023 nears its passage into law. The Council’s Executive Secretary and CEO, Barr. Pius Akutah Ukeyima, emphasized the Council’s capacity to take on this expanded role during the 2024 Annual Seminar for Maritime Journalists in Lagos.
Speaking on behalf of Ukeyima, the NSC’s Director of Special Duties, Mustapha Zubairu, outlined the Council’s transformation since its inception in 1978. Initially established to protect the interests of shippers, the NSC has expanded its mandate, including overseeing the development of dry ports and serving as the interim economic regulator of Nigerian ports.
Zubairu explained that the Council’s responsibilities as an economic regulator include creating a framework to manage tariffs, rates, and charges, monitoring commercial agreements between the Federal Government and terminal operators, and enforcing industry standards to improve service delivery at ports.
“With the passage of the Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill, the NSC will transition to a full-fledged port economic regulator. This will require restructuring and strengthening of its departments to continue delivering on its expanded mandate,” Zubairu stated.
The seminar, themed *“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council in Transition: Issues, Prospects, and Challenges,”* also provided a platform to discuss the implications of the Bill. Olusesan Onilemo, CEO of Mediacom and organizer of the event, described the legislation as a transformative development for the Nigerian maritime industry.
Onilemo noted, “The Bill is expected to enhance the ease of doing business at the ports, foster competition, and ensure fairness in service pricing. Its passage will mark the beginning of a new era for the shipping and port industries.”
The Annual Seminar for Maritime Journalists has become a key event in the maritime calendar, offering stakeholders an opportunity to deliberate on critical industry issues.
As they Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill edges closer to becoming law, industry experts are optimistic about its potential to redefine port operations and enhance Nigeria’s participation in international trade.
