The Rector of Certified Institute of Shipping, Dr Alex Okwuashi, has urged the National Assembly to fast track the passage of Chartered Institute of Shipping of Nigeria (CISN) Bill.
Okwuashi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the enactment of the law would regulate unwholesome practices in the shipping industry.
According to him, the law will standardise the practice of shipping, reduce foreign domination and capital flight.
The rector said that the bill had been in the National Assembly since 2000.
The Rector of Certified Institute of Shipping, Dr Alex Okwuashi, has urged the National Assembly to fast track the passage of Chartered Institute of Shipping of Nigeria (CISN) Bill.
Okwuashi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the enactment of the law would regulate unwholesome practices in the shipping industry.
According to him, the law will standardise the practice of shipping, reduce foreign domination and capital flight.
The rector said that the bill had been in the National Assembly since 2000.
He said that other bills that were initiated after the bill like the Cabotage Bill had been passed into law.
Okwuashi said that the provisions of the bill did not conflict with the role of government agencies in the maritime sector.
He alleged that the industry was full of quacks because of the absence of a regulator.
“The CISN bill will not conflict with the functions of the NIMASA, NPA and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
“Government should encourage operators in the shipping industry.
“It is a shame that a country which derives substantial percentage of its revenue from the maritime sector does not to have a regulator,’’ Okwuashi said.
The rector said that non passage of the bill showed that some lawmakers did not appreciate the importance of shipping to the economy.
He said that the industry was not only a foreign exchange earner, but also employer of the largest number of workers in the country.
Okwuashi called on NIMASA, NPA, NSC, National Inland Waterways Authority and other stakeholders to support the passage of the bill.
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