In a bid to streamline operations and enhance accountability within the Nigerian ports system, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has announced plans to enforce registration for port service providers and users who have failed to register on the council’s online portal by third quarter of 2024.
Speaking during a sensitization programme for stakeholders on the registration of regulated port service providers and users at the Council Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, the Executive Secretary of the Council; Barr. Pius Akutah elucidated on the significance of adherence to the online registration requirements by all service providers in the port. He added that this regulation is in line with the duties of the NSC as enshrined in section four of its 2015 regulation.
The Executive Secretary who was represented by the NSC Director of the Consumer Affairs Department, Chief Cajetan Agu noted that the registration is geared towards having a database of genuine port service providers and users as well as “Knowing Your Customers” (KYC) policy.
Akutah highlighted the evolution of payment processes from manual to automated systems within the council and underscored the benefits of registration, including access to crucial information and the eradication of anonymous/faceless shippers. He emphasized the mandatory nature of registration, cautioning that non-compliant entities would face stern consequences.
Echoing the Executive Secretary’s sentiments, Assistant Director of Consumer Affairs, Celestine Akujobi, enumerated the sanctions awaiting defaulters, including the withdrawal of NSC services and restrictions on port operations.
Akujobi noted that only 185 port service providers and users have registered so far, while underscoring the urgency for stakeholders to acquaint themselves with the online registration process to avoid penalties.
Despite a notable uptake in registration among international service providers, Akujobi expressed concern over the lagging compliance among Nigerian counterparts. He urged stakeholders to swiftly register with the council to capitalize on the myriad benefits associated with NSC registration.
Akujobi however stressed that full enforcement will commence by third quarter of 2024 as the NSC would not hesitate to clamp down on unregistered port service providers and users after the grace period.
