The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has urged port service providers and users to complete their online registrations and obtain certificates to avoid sanctions.

The council’s Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Pius Akutah, stated this at a one-day stakeholders’ sensitisation on the Registration of Regulated Port Service Providers and Users on Tuesday in Kano.

Represented by Hannah Adaba, Deputy Director, Stakeholder Services of the council, Mr Akutah said the exercise aligned with the council’s vision to promote efficiency, transparency, and compliance in the port and shipping sector.

He said, “The sanction could be withdrawal of Nigerian Shippers’ Council services from defaulters, cancellation of registration certificates/licenses to operate at Nigerian ports, denial of access to the council’s complaints resolution mechanism and blacklisting of defaulters, among others.’’

He said the mandatory online registration of regulated port service providers and users is being implemented in accordance with Part II, Section 4(1) of the Port Economic Regulation 2015.

The NSC boss said the online registration represented a significant milestone in the council’s journey toward digital transformation and enhanced trade facilitation.

He stated, “With this platform, stakeholders can seamlessly register their companies online without the need for physical visits to any NSC office, provided that the necessary documentation and payments are submitted. This automation aligns with our broader agenda to eliminate bottlenecks, reduce bureaucracy, and promote ease of doing business in Nigeria’s maritime sector.’’

According to Mr Akutah, the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) is a strategic initiative to enhance cargo visibility, improve revenue assurance, combat under-declaration, and strengthen national security in trade operations.

“I urge all stakeholders to embrace this transition and support the council’s efforts toward effective port economic regulation, trade facilitation, competitiveness, and enhanced national development,” he said.

Mr Akutah reiterated the NSC’s commitment to its role as the port economic regulator, stressing that the council was actively pursuing its transition into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NIPERA).

The Director of the North-West Zonal Coordinating Office, Kano, Ahmed Umar-Yazah, said the council has recorded significant achievements in ensuring efficiency in port operations and reducing unnecessary delays faced by shippers in the ports.

“Decrease in unwholesome practices by some stakeholders in the ports and finally the recovery of over N6 billion for individual and Corporate Shippers since Akutah assumed office,” he said.

Mr Umar-Yazah assured stakeholders that the council welcomes suggestions towards improving regulatory services and fostering stronger working relationships with stakeholders.

The NSC Director of Consumer Affairs, Celestine Akujobi, also urged stakeholders to avail themselves of the opportunity and register online to uplift their businesses. 

(NAN)