An economic expert; Professor Pat Utomi has urged the Nigerian Shippers' Council to bring together heads of maritime parastatals and leaders of key institutions in the industry.
Pat Utomi made the suggestion yesterday in Lagos during a programme put together by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in conjunction with Akabogu and Associates.
According to him, the Council needs to take charge as the economic regulator, saying that this is necessary for it to survive in its quest to act as an ombudsman in port operations
He recommended a monthly breakfast meeting by key players in the maritime industry, saying this will significantly help to solve the various problems plaguing of the maritime sector.
He also stressed the need for the Council to advice terminal operators on how the nation's ports can be competitive saying that it will lead to massive employment.
Speaking on the topic: "Economic Rights and the Ports as Gateway to Growth and Prosperity", the professor reiterated that the maritime industry needs to learn a lesson through competitiveness, saying that competitiveness among the players will further boost the economy of the nation.
He charged the Council to take charge by coordinating the maritime sector for it to achieve a common goal.
Also speaking , Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers' Council; Barrister Hassan Bello however suggested to the Federal Government to review the port concession agreement for effective control and performance as an economic port regulator.
Executive Secretary noted that all stakeholders in the sector are very important to the Council, pointing out that it is a democratic institution without bias.
Speaking at the formal opening of the event, he said that the port regulator demand respect from those regulated even though it was appointed eight years after port concession has come to be.
He also called on key players in the sector for synergy, coordination, negotiation and togetherness
Bello noted that the Council has been restructured internally for it to fulfil its mandate towards sanction, enforcement and legislative policies.
The Shippers’ Council's boss said there is need for the government to put in place measures for investors to survive, because according to him, investment needs to be protected to encourage competition.
However, Chairman of the event; Barrister Emeka Akabogu urged shippers to come for consultations on shipment.
The event had in attendance, members of Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria, NAGAFF, AREFFN, Save Nigeria Freight Forwarders Importers Exporters Coalition, and Shippers Association Lagos State.
Others are: Maritime Arbitrators Association of Nigeria (MAAN),RTEAN, NARTO, NIS,POTEMAN,National Association of Stevedoring Companies etc.
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