There are indications that the Federal Government's plan to concession the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) might come into fruition any moment from now, but the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has harped on the need for a moderator in the concessioning exercise so as to avoid the pitfalls occasioned in the port reform process.
The council has also stressed the need for its activities to be brought into focus as the best agency to carry out this responsibility.
There are indications that the Federal Government's plan to concession the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) might come into fruition any moment from now, but the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has harped on the need for a moderator in the concessioning exercise so as to avoid the pitfalls occasioned in the port reform process.
The council has also stressed the need for its activities to be brought into focus as the best agency to carry out this responsibility.
Speaking at his office in Lagos yesterday when members of the Port Consultative Council (PCC) led by its Chairman, Otunba Kunle Folarin, paid him a courtesy visit, the Executive Secretary of the council, Barrister Hassan Bello said that the concessioning of the rail will take place soon.
Bello said that the concessioning of the rail to private operators will further ensure efficiency in the sector and that this will translate into the maritime sector as cargoes can now be moved conveniently by rail.
"Very soon the operations of the Nigerian railway will be concessioned to bring in enlarged participation in transportation, the moment Nigeria hands it over, then you need a moderator that will supervise the interface between the various modes of transportation. You need an agency that will not condone arbitrariness and this is why the relevance of Nigerian Shippers’ Council is growing beyond what it was before", he stated.
"We believe the private capital will be in the better place to move into the transport sector for more efficiency, just like what happened to the port, there will be increased participation of private sector in railway and indeed the road sector, we have it in the aviation".
Bello also pointed out that the railway has now been revitalised to carry passengers and cargo, even as he said that the council is already making moves for the amendment of its laws.
Speaking earlier, PCC Chairman, Otunba Kunle Folarin implored the council to focus on reviewing the established organs of trade facilitation which are no longer functioning in the council. He listed some of them as; port charges management committee and the shippers’ associations.
He however assured Barrister Bello of the support of PCC in ensuring that his tenure as the helmsman at the council is successful.
"Unless the council showcases its capability and move into the public domain, educating government, stakeholders, agencies in and outside the maritime sector, you will not be able to get the full support you deserve"
Folarin stressed the need to get the Act of the Council amended, because according to him, regulation is one of the many areas where the Council needs to be empowered.
"Stakeholders expectations are huge but with support and collaboration we will get there" he said.
Other members of the PCC delegation include; Mr. Val Usifoh, Engr. Olu Akinsoji, Mrs Yetunde Lawal and Alhaji Adigun.
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