There was a positive outlook for the approval of the Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill as the House Committee on Shipping Services and Related Matters expressed their support for the bill. They believe that this document will bring about positive changes in the maritime sector and contribute to the overall economic development. In particular, legislators mentioned that once the Bill is enacted, it will tackle concerns related to unjust fees and various unlawful activities carried out by industry players, all of which negatively impact consumers.
Abdussamad Dasuki, the Chairman of the Committee, provided insight to reporters following a Public Hearing regarding the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) Act repeal. He emphasized that the Committee was actively engaging with stakeholders and gathering feedback to ensure a comprehensive participation of all relevant parties in the Bill process. He observed that the logical next step would involve submitting the report for the Third Reading in front of the House of Representatives, following the protocols outlined in its rules.
The Bill aims to remove obstacles hindering the Nigerian Shippers Council.
In his statement, he emphasized that the Public Hearing highlighted the unanimous desire of all parties involved in the Nigerian maritime sector for the implementation of an economic regulator. It was made clear that the time for unchecked power and disregard for regulations must come to an end. They found the stakeholders’ input to be incredibly valuable and enlightening. The Bill aims to remove an obstacle that is currently hindering the Nigerian Shippers Council from carrying out a presidential order related to regulating the Economy of the ports.
Furthermore, the maritime sector in Nigeria has long awaited this change, and they are committed to making sure it happens. Furthermore, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, highlighted at the event that the upcoming Bill is poised to initiate and accelerate the enforcement of regulatory guidelines within the Nigerian maritime sector. The Minister expressed his enthusiasm and joy for participating in the sector reform process through the representation of the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Olorunola Olufemi.
Certain stakeholders have raised valid concerns.
More so, the Ministry is currently gathering its thoughts on this Bill and will soon be sharing them. They are urging all stakeholders to join in and share their perspectives to help move this process forward for the benefit of the nation. During his comments, Pius Akutah, the Executive Secretary of the NSC, assured that the worries expressed by various parties will be taken into account to ensure that the Bill, once approved, accurately represents the contributions of all relevant stakeholders.
Additionally, the words of Pius Akutah were filled with admiration for the results of the public hearing that took place. The Executive Secretary of the NSC expressed his gratitude towards the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, for his unwavering support. It is a crucial benchmark that was agreed upon with the Minister, forming part of their Key Performance Indicators. More so, certain stakeholders have raised valid concerns that will be addressed in the future.
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They want to clarify that they are not implementing any laws that will harm the sector. Their goal is to promote growth and stability within the industry while also maintaining order. Multiple stakeholders from the shipping, freight-forwarding, and legal sectors of the Maritime industry were present at the Public Hearing. The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abass, who is the main Sponsor of the Bill, was represented by Hon. Sada Soli during the event.