Connect with us

News

Stakeholders Endorse Repeal and Re-Enactment of Shippers’ Council Bill

Published

on

By Gloria Ikibah
Stakeholders in the maritime industry have strongly supported the proposed repeal and re-enactment of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and Economic Regulatory Bill.
At a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Shipping Services at the National Assembly Complex Monday in Abuja, which had in attendance representatives from various sectors of the industry, including shipping companies, freight forwarders, and cargo owners, unanimously endorsed the proposed legislation.
The new bill, which seeks to repeal the existing Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act and enact a new Shippers’ Council and Economic Regulatory Act, aims to strengthen the regulatory framework for the maritime industry and promote economic growth.
Naijablitznews.com recalled that sequel to
the Federal Government’s announcement of the NSC as a Port economic regulator, the agency has struggled to enforce sanctions on ports and shipping stakeholders in the nation’s maritime sector due to the absence of an enabling law backing up their status as a Port Economic Regulator.
Stakeholders commended the proposed legislation for its provisions, which include the establishment of a more effective and efficient regulatory framework, the promotion of competition and innovation, and the protection of the rights of shippers and other stakeholders.
The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Ukeyima Akutah, described the legislation as timely at this stage of the nation’s growth and development.
Akutah said there is the need for a regulatory regime to ensure effective and efficient economic regulation for the control of tariffs, rates and charges to prevent arbitrariness is necessary.
According to him, the bill will enhance the ease of doing business, minimize the high cost of doing business at the ports, ensure seamless movement of cargo, promote competition and enhance the quality of service.
He stated: “The Bill essentially embellishes the fundamentals of Economic Regulation, making all actors play by the rules.
“The Nigerian Government is evolving a Regulatory Agenda across all sectors, with economic contribution as the goal. The shipping industry should not be an exception.
“There is, therefore, no better time than now to enact this, Bill. I therefore most respectfully, urge esteemed stakeholders to make meaningful contributions toward its immediate passage and enactment”.
He further expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders for their support and assured them that the council would continue to work towards ensuring a conducive business environment for all players in the industry.
A former CEO of the Shippers Council, Chief Adebayo Sarumi, said a regulatory body is late by no less than 20 years.
Sarumi said, this will bring about a level playing field, and regulatory services and ensure that the consumers do not suffer.
A former CEO of the Shippers Council, Hassan Bello, stated that the Bill will be a crowning glory of the Federal Government’s efforts in the maritime sector.
“This proposed agency will fill the regulatory vacuum that has bedevilled the sector, the reason the ports are not making contributions. It will end the monopoly.
“The bill is fundamental and essential and will correct anomalies and guarantee efficiency and use of tech in ports operation”, he said.
Representative of the Shipping Lines Association of Nigeria, Boma Alabi, said that the body welcomes any act that will improve efficiency, lower costs and reduce bottlenecks.
She added that the Nigerian ports cost the nation twice as much as our neighbours.
Ahmed Rabiu, a concerned stakeholder said the Bill has been overdue since the time ports were concessioned, calling for its speedy consideration.
Other stakeholders like the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), and Nigeria Economic Summit Group backed the development.
In separate remarks, they said the absence of a regulatory agency stifled economic activities.
They further said the passage of the Bill will have a positive impact on the maritime industry, leading to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved services for shippers and other stakeholders.
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

Former House of Representatives Member Arrested Over Alleged WAEC Certificate Forgery

Published

on

Hon. Rita Odichi Orijifor, who represented the Ajeromi Ifelodun Federal Constituency between 2015 and 2019, has been arrested by the Nigerian Police over allegations of using a fake WAEC certificate during her tenure in the House of Representatives.

According to sources, Orijifor was apprehended earlier today at her residence in Wonderland Estate, Abuja, after police officers had waited for over five hours for her to come out. She reportedly locked herself in her bedroom and made calls to influential political figures in a bid to avoid arrest. However, none of the figures offered assistance in this high-profile scandal, and despite some attempts to intervene with the police, Orijifor eventually emerged from her hiding place and was taken into custody.

Before her arrest, Orijifor had reportedly been hiding in Akure to evade law enforcement, only returning to Abuja after believing the situation had cooled. However, unknown to her, the police were already on her trail.

Her legal troubles began when a judge in the Federal Capital Territory dismissed her application to stop the ongoing police investigation. The judge ruled that Orijifor failed to demonstrate that her rights had been violated by the authorities.

Advertisement

Orijifor is currently being detained at the Force Headquarters in Abuja as investigations continue. The case is expected to be a significant development in Nigerian politics, given her previous role as a federal lawmaker.

This is a developing story, and more details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.

Continue Reading

News

I Looked At Myself In The Mirror And I Asked “Who Are You?” – Gov Adeleke

Published

on

Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke on Sunday, November 24, 2024 held his Thanksgiving Service at the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Oke-Gada, Ede, Osun State to celebrate his Second Year in Office as the Governor.

The officiating Pastor directed all guests and members of the church for a-minute-silence for three elders in the Adeleke dynasty who have passed away; Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, his mother, Mrs Nnena Esther Adeleke and her husband, Senator Ayoola Adeleke.

The officiating Pastor took his message from Psalm 23. He admonished the Governor to always put God first in everything he is doing and strike a balance between public and private interest.

The Priest said the Thanksgiving Service celebrant should be careful of sycophants and praise singers and he should let people see him as a man of God and be accessible.

Advertisement

In his testimony, Governor Adeleke said, he still cannot believe what God is doing through him in Osun State, how God is able to turn things around for good for him in the State.

He remembered when his mother was on sickbed asked him to always sing three praise songs through which God will always answer his prayers.

One of the songs include a Yoruba song, “Ogo yi Oluwa ye Ogo yi, mase JE ko baje mase JE ko Daru…” and two other Igbo praise songs.

The governor who was filled with excitement said he woke up one day and went to the mirror and asked himself “who are you?”. The answer, the Governor of Osun State. He was surprised at how God works in the affairs of men

Advertisement

The elder sister of Mr. Governor, Yeyeluwa, Modupe Adeleke-Sani admonished the awesomeness of God presence in Adeleke’s family.

She said it wasn’t time of Senator Ademola Adeleke to be the Governor in 2018 because God knows there was going to #ENDSARS and COVID-19 during the period, God made his governance possible at the appropriate time in 2022. “Adeleke’s family is God’s family, we will continue to serve and worship him for his goodness and mercies that endure forever.”

She donated the sum of N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira Only) on behalf of Adeleke’s family.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Bishop TD Jakes suffers health emergency during Sunday sermon

Published

on

Bishop T.D. Jakes, the renowned pastor, author, and founder of The Potter’s House megachurch, experienced a health emergency shortly after delivering a powerful sermon on Sunday.

The incident occurred following an extended sermon at the Dallas-based non-denominational church.

In a statement posted on Facebook on Sunday, church officials confirmed that Bishop Jakes received immediate medical attention and is currently in stable condition under the care of healthcare professionals.

The statement reads, “During today’s service, Bishop T.D. Jakes experienced a slight health incident and received immediate medical attention following his powerful hour-long message.

Advertisement

“Bishop Jakes is stable and under the care of medical professionals. The entire Potter’s House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from the community. Thank you for your understanding and continued prayers.”

Founded in 1996, The Potter’s House is one of the largest multicultural megachurches in the United States, boasting over 30,000 members.

The church, which is well known for its global influence, has consistently been ranked among the most impactful religious institutions in the country.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2024 Naija Blitz News