NPA grants NSC office spaces at ports

To enable Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to better administer its functions as the interim commercial regulator for the seaports, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), has given its approval for the provision of office accommodation for the Council in all the nation’s seaports.

Habib Abdullahi, managing director of NPA, who gave the approval last week when Hassan Bello, the executive secretary of NSC, and his management team paid a courtesy visit to the management of NPA at the Authority headquarters in Marina, Lagos, said that situating the Council’s office in the port will enable NSC to better perform its new roles as the commercial regulator in the port industry.

The NPA boss further assured that the Authority is ready to cooperate and support Shippers’ Council in its new role because, according to him, it would be a failure on the part of NPA if NSC fails in its role as the commercial regulator.

While commending the NSC boss for soliciting the support of other agencies, Abdullahi noted that the sensitisation visits will enable stakeholders in the industry have a better understanding of the new role of the NSC.

Earlier in his address, Bello who said the visit was to solicit cooperation and support of NPA, also assured that the Council will continue to strive for quality services in the industry by ensuring a balance between the service providers and port users.

Bello also applauded the e-payment solution provided in the port by NPA to further advance the cause of port reforms by achieving efficient port operation, reduction of cargo dwell time and enhancing turnaround time of vessels.