“We are Focused On Our Regulatory Role”-Akutah 

The ES with stakeholders during a recent working tour of the Eastern Ports.

Recent agitations for and against the scrapping of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, are deafening as groups align to press for the actualization of their objectives as they express fears that the National Assembly plans to repeal the NSC Act (Cap.133 LFN 2004) and replace it with a new agency, the Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NSPERA).

Check by Maritime Nigeria to find out proponents of the purported move by NASS hit brick wall as stakeholders expressed shock over such agitations. Notable persons and groups in the maritime sector threw their weight behind the Council; commending it for the regulatory and stabilization role it plays in the industry.

The Council, after decades of its existence is neither embarrassed not taken aback by such agitations which have become regular occurrences in the industry.

From court to court the Council has been. Dispute after dispute the NSC stands strong; facing the storms and riding through rough weather is nothing unusual for the Council. What is strange under the present management under the leadership of Barrister Pius Akutah, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council is the dimension and scope of the agitations between the concerned groups and government’s body language as it hints on the possible implementation of the Stephen Oronsaye report of  2011.

Among several far reaching recommendations, the Oronsaye report stands out as a significant document in Nigeria’s public administration and governmental reform landscape, sparking discussions, debates and initiatives aimed at improving efficiency, reducing redundancy and streamlining governmental operations.

Duplications and wastages are common features in government agencies. Is anyone against addressing such adverse inefficiencies if the government so wishes to act?

The Council and Its Mandate

The Council as Port Economic Regulator has stamped its presence and brought its regulatory powers to bear on ports businesses.

Its numerous engagements, sensitization and enlightenment campaigns have impacted Nigeria’s maritime industry. Notwithstanding issues of operational infractions and non-compliance by operators, the Council is actively executing its mandate to the admiration of stakeholders in the sector.

His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister, Marine and Blue Economy

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy; His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola during a visit to the Council last year declared that this administration is committed to actively working towards the implementation of the Cargo Tracking Note and Single Window Project to enhance the efficiency of business operations at the nation’s ports.

While lamenting the abandonment of over 6,000 containers at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports in Lagos, Oyetola said long bureaucratic processes and corruption are major factors responsible for elongated cargo clearance time thereby frustrating shippers and leading to the jettisoning of their containers at ports.

Akutah Pius Ukeyima, ES/CEO, NSC

Commending the activities of the Council through Ports Standing Task Team (PSTT), in the fight against corruption at Nigerian ports, Oyetola warned that the Government of President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu would not tolerate corruption in the port system.

“We understand the critical role the Maritime plays in an economy such as ours. It is imperative that we quickly move towards improving the navigability of the waters, build the draughts of our ports, hasten cargo clearance, ensure adequate connectivity from port to hinterland and ensure efficient road network,” the minister said.

Lekki Deep Sea Port

As part of its relentless regulatory and enforcement roles in the ports, the Council justified the need for the presence of the Port Standing Task Team (PSTT), at the Lekki Deep Seaport in Lagos to ensure that Terminal Operators and other relevant stakeholders adhere strictly with Nigerian ports Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) as contained in the Nigerian Ports Process Manual (NPPM).

The Council expressed concerns about vessel boarding time by government agencies and the quick evacuation of cargoes from the port in records time

The PSTT,  domiciled at the Council told our reporter that through its strict boarding processes, it saved vessels demurrage to the tune of N5.4 billion between 2022 and 2023.

“Prior to the establishment of PSTT in 2020, Nigeria had 121 infractions on vessel boarding. Vessels use to pay close to $20,000 for delays. We are happy to note that this has been reduced to zero through efforts of the PSTT”, the Council said.

“It is my belief that if relevant stakeholders and authorities comply with approved standards and rules as enshrined in the manual, challenges faced today will automatically ease off and pave way for seamless operations at our ports,” a senior Council official told our reporter during a chat at a public function in Lagos.

Observation

In a post on a social media platform, Dr. Emeka Akabogu, a maritime lawyer and advocate wrote “In 2023, the turn-around time (TAT) for vessels at Nigerian ports saw a significant reduction compared to 2022, with the average TAT improving from 5.2 days in 2022 to 4 days in 2023. This improvement is largely due to the operational efficiency of the Lekki Deep Sea Port which was opened officially in January 2023 and was fully operational by April 2023. Quick turn-around is a key indicator of port efficiency, and if replicated by other ports will drive increased port competitiveness for Nigeria. Contributions by the Council to this development cannot be discountenanced.

Is the Council delivering on it regulatory mandate?

Stakeholders agree that the Council has made significant progress as it carries out its regulatory functions in the ports-resulting in stable tariffs, fees and charges as well as stability/harmony in port operations following the Council’s proactive interventions.

Expectedly, what the Council needs at this time is stronger legislative backing; strengthening the Council to execute its mandate through the instrumentality of legislative enactment is what is required at this time.

Any contrary move will upset port operations and upturn progress made thus far just as a cacophony of voices at this point in time is not in anybody’s interest.

We hear the Bill to reposition the Council for greater efficiency has passed the second reading at the National Assembly. Nothing should be spared to expedite action in seeing this Bill passed and signed into law soonest.

The Chief Executive of the Council told Maritime Nigeria on phone that the Council is not distracted. “We are focused on the implementation of our statutory roles and nothing will distracts us because we have so much on our hands”