Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), a port regulatory agency, says it is working with the Federal Emergency Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) to rehabilitate the Onne-Port Harcourt road and other roads leading to the country’s ports.
Ada Okam, zonal coordinator, Nigerian Shippers Council, South-East Zonal coordinating office, who revealed this at a post seminar press conference on “port regulation”, held in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, observed that bad roads are serious impediments to movement of goods across the country.
According to her, “We are discussing with FERMA to see ways of rehabilitating or carrying out palliative work on these roads to aid commerce. In fact, before the year runs out, work will commence on Onne Port access road, because it is really hindering the activities of shippers.”
On the issue of multiple agencies at the ports, the Shippers Council, boss stated that only needful agencies should be allowed to perform their duties at the ports.
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“Everybody cannot be at the port at the same time, and in that manner, traffic at the ports will be adequately reduced, “she stated.
She also revealed that the Shippers Council is looking into port charges with the view of reducing high tariff, noting that several consultations have been held with many operators concerning reduction in some charges, a development, which she said, did not go down well with some shipping companies.
“But it is good news that it has been accepted that Shippers Council should go ahead to do its job. And we did not do it unilaterally; there were consultations and agreements. And shippers’ council is also coming up with standards, because this is a system that has run over a long period without an umpire.
“So, consultations are going on now with various stakeholders to know the road map and the way forward and where any group feels that a charge or tariff should be increased, they need to first report to Shippers Council and get it discussed and if justified, an increase will be permitted.
“The issue of terminal operators’ charges is equally being handled by the Shippers’ Council. Even the provision of adequate equipment by shipping companies is equally being addressed, granted, it delays movement of goods and taking delivery of goods.
“The issue of demurrage is also being addressed by the Shippers Council. We want to believe that in no distant time, all these would be addressed. However, it may take a little time, because we have to do a lot of consultations to address all the issues,” she stated.
GODFREY OFURUM
