By Fabian Anawo
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, says it looks forward to an improved collaboration with the Nigeria Customs Service for effective service delivery at the Nigerian Ports.
The Director, South-South Zone of the NSC, Mr. Glory Onojedo, made this known when he paid a courtesy visit on the Customs Area Controller, Area II Command, Onne Port Harcourt, Mr Baba Imam.
He said that improved synergy between both agencies would curb unnecessary delays in cargo clearing for shippers and other compliance traders and also boost the country’s revenue.
Onojedo said that the Shippers’ Council as Port Economic Regulator facilitates trade through protection of shippers’ interest, provide guidelines on tariff setting to guide against arbitrariness; monitor and enforce standards of service delivery and perform mediatory role among stakeholders.
It also ensures compliance by all parties with the provisions of the Port Concession Agreements among others and appealed for protection of shippers’ interest at the Onne Port.
He said shippers in the zone use the Onne Port hence the visit to foster a common understanding on how to go about operations in the Port.
Responding, the Comptroller, Baba Imam, commended the Shippers’ Council and promised continuous synergy with them and improvement in the system.
Imam said that the effectiveness of the synergy between the Custom and the Shippers’ Council in effective service delivery cannot be underscored and promised that the Command would explore modalities to facilitate trade that would not negate the laws.
He reiterated that the command under his leadership would maintain it’s primary responsibility of implementing and enforcing government policies within the provisions of the law, as well as encouraging compliance among traders.
He said the Command is also setting up mechanisms by creating units to checkmate activities of traders as well as officers to ensure they don’t compromise on their duties and mandates.
The Comptroller also thanked the Council for providing them with relevant information that would lead to improved operations at the Port.