The Abia State Government has implored the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) Nigeria’s port economic regulator, to develop a database of shippers in the South-East region of the country.
This is to enable government to have reliable information of real players in the shipping industry, for effective and efficient administration and control of commodity flow.
It will also help in combating smuggling and other illegal trade activities.
Ernest Onyeukwu, permanent secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Abia State, made this appeal Wednesday, in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, at an enlightenment seminar, titled, “Addressing the transport and logistics challenges of South-East Shippers”, organised by the South-East Zonal office of the Nigerian Shippers Council.
Onyeukwu, who was represented at the forum, by Simon Ehiemere, director, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) of the Ministry, stated that as a major player in the promotion of entrepreneurship, that Abia State Government would always encourage activities that enhance the growth and development of the economy.
According to Onyeukwu, “We all are aware that the growth of the economy is a national task that requires all hands to be on deck. South-East shippers as integral part of the economic system in Nigeria should brace up with deep sense of devotion and commitment to face the challenges confronting the maritime and shipping sector”.
Christian Chimezie, zonal coordinator, NSC, South-East Zone, explained that the seminar was a major event of the zone, aimed at addressing the seemingly intractable transport and logistics challenges, confronting South-East Shippers with regard to international trade and to find workable solutions to the challenges.
He reiterated the commitment of the NSC to make Nigerian ports efficient and effective to attract cargo away from its competitors and to build and promote building of modern infrastructure to cover the overarching infrastructure deficit existing in the industry.
The Council according to Chimezie is also committed to guiding against monopoly and encourages competition among the ports.
“As a regulatory agency, the Council has taken giant strides in facilitating the development of transport infrastructure, such as Inland Container Depot (ICDs) and Truck Transit Park Projects, in many locations across the country.
“The South-East has two projects namely-Inland Container Depot, sited at Ntigha, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of Abia State and Truck Transit Park at Obollo Afor, Enugu State, “ he affirmed.
He however, observed that despite Government efforts in the past few years to encourage reforms in the port sector and stimulate development of transport infrastructure, there still remain a huge gap between what is needed and what is provided, stressing that the forum was organised to encourage stakeholders to rub minds and find solution to the identified challenges faced by shippers in the region.
GODFREY OFURUM
