The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barr. Pius Akutah has revealed plans by the council to transition towards being a self-funding agency as well as fully digitalising its operations by August 2024.
The Executive Secretary revealed this during his opening remarks at the opening of the Council’s 2024 Strategic Management Retreat themed “Unlocking the Potentials of the Marine and Blue Economy for Rapid National Economic Development” which started in Abeokuta, Ogun state on Thursday.
Akutah emphasized the council’s role in revenue generation and its contribution to the national GDP, particularly in light of the Orosanye’s report recommendation for self-management and revenue generation. He equally assured that the Council would attain fully digitalized processes with paperless operations by August 2024 in a bid to drive service efficiency and contribute revenue to the Federal Government.
The Shippers’ Council boss highlighted the significance of the retreat in aligning with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s strategic vision, particularly focusing on unlocking the potentials of the marine and blue economy for rapid national economic development.
He also stressed the importance of the repealing the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act, urging swift enactment by the National Assembly to provide a robust framework for the council’s operations.
Addressing human resource management, he underscored the need for a succession plan, promotion policies, and capacity building through targeted training and effective leadership in driving productivity and achieving organizational goals.
“We are looking at other streams of revenue like the one percent freight stabilisation fee which we are looking forward to actualize in the next quarter. Most importantly now that the Orosanye Report is being implemented and what is says about the Nigerian Shippers Council is that it should be self-funding. We should generate our revenue and spend our money.
“I think that is the best thing that the report has said about an agency. It has underscored the importance of this agency, even at a time when the mandate of what economic regulator was not even given to us. It recognizes the role of the Nigerian Shippers Council in the economy” Akutah stated.
Also speaking, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun noted that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is a critical agency for the development and promotion of the Marine and Blue Economy.
Gov. Dapo Abiodun who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi stressed the need for the Council to intensify its sensitization and information drive by actively engaging with all relevant stakeholders and players in the marine and blue economy.
The State Governor lauded NSC for its contributions to the development of the dry and sea ports in the state. He also informed that the Ogun state government has set up a team to relate and collaborated with the council to explore the benefits and opportunities embedded in the state.
During her keynote paper, Professor Adesola Osibona from the Department of Marine Sciences, University of Lagos highlighted the numerous opportunities embedded in the Marine and Blue Economy. She noted that prior to the outbreak of COVID 19 the marine and blue economy sector was valued at an estimate of USD 2.5trn annually.
While lamenting the numerous challenges being faced in the sector, Prof. Osibona called on the government in collaboration with all relevant stakeholders to adequately invest in the development of port and marine infrastructure as well as embrace technology in processes involved in the sector.
On his part, the Director of Research and Strategic Planning, Mr. Rotimi Anifowose called upon all participants to actively engage in discussions during the retreat and contribute their expertise towards shaping a maritime sector that not only drives economic growth but also positions Nigeria as a global maritime hub.
