The Nigerian Shipper’s Council has expressed it preparedness to partner the Nigerian Chapter of Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers for effective training and capacity development of its organization.

Hassan Bello, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council disclosed this in Lagos when he received the officials of ICS led by the Chairman Capt. S. Olarewaju who paid him a courtesy call in Lagos.

Bello said the working visit which is timely and appropriate, added that the ICS came at a time when the Ministry of transportation is taking stock to synergize all aspect of shipping.

According to him, NSC being the economic regulator of the ports has the role of advising government on macro-economic issues as it affects shipping and transportation. He said in order to achieve that, there is the need for the Council to seek knowledge on types of ships, vessels, the configurations and trade routes which is very important to the Council and hope the institution will be able to provide that. He further said the Council needs to know about the different branches of shipping like freight forwarding, consolidation of cargoes etc which will all help in advising the government especially now that Nigerian Shippers Council is the Chairman of the Nigerian Fleet Implementation Committee.

The Chief Executive also pointed out the need for awareness by indigenous shipping and the need to have citizens that will operate ships in Nigeria.   In his words “if you control the means of transportation, you control the trade. There is the need for us to own and operate ships in order to boost our economy through the earning that we will get. It is not right to leave it in the hands of foreigners to control the shipping, make money in our country and go”.

He therefore called on the institute to strategize and initiate efforts that will put Nigeria on a pedestal to control and own its ships and not leaving it in the hands of foreigners. He tasked the institute to be worthy partners for Nigerians to go and take over and restore shipping. He also advised that our insurance companies and financial institutions should also be involved.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Institution, Capt. S. Olarewaju called for patronage and support from the Council by sponsoring its workforce on short and long term professional and skill development programmes of the institute.