From Anthony Nwachukwu,Lagos
Poised to see the sector contributing upward of 20 per cent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the National Assembly says it is fast-tracking some enabling legislations for the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), as the Port Economic Regulator, to effectively drive improved revenue generation. The legislations include to transmute the agency from council to National Shipping Commission, as well as the Transport Commission Bill, the Chairman of House Committee on Shipping Services, Abdulsamad Dasuki, has said.
Dasuki, who spoke during the opening ceremony of the strategy retreat for the NSC senior executives, which ended over the weekend, regretted that “the maritime sector is expected to deliver nothing less than 20 per cent of our GDP, but now it is being 1% or less.”
He assured that the House Committee would introduce necessary legislative changes to make the agency proactive in enforcing industry standards as catalyst to stimulate economic growth.
According to him, “one significant proposal involves the repeal and re-enactment of the Shippers’ Council Act as the maritime sector regulator.
“The committee is actively working on the legislation, which had previously gained approval in both chambers during the last assembly. However, it faced setback as it did not receive presidential assent.
“Furthermore, the committee is actively engaged in the Transport Commission Bill, advocating for the establishment of the Nigerian Shipping Commission. A thorough evaluation will be conducted to determine the legislation most beneficial to the Nigerian economy.”
Dasuki explained that, as a commission, rather than a council, “you are to be independent, you are the regulator of this very important mission.”
Earlier, the NSC Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, urged the senior executive members of staff of the agency to brace up for “a collective endeavour that holds profound significance for the future of our nation’s economic landscape.”
Based on the retreat theme, “Strengthening the Economic Regulation of the Marine and Blue Economy for Sustainable Development,” he said the NSC has long been at the forefront of catalysing innovation, championing progress and navigating the dynamic waters of global trade, he said the retreat marked a strategic convergence of wisdom, expertise and foresight.
“Our focus on economic regulation underscores a profound understanding that effective governance, equitable practices and strategic policies serve as the bedrock for fostering a thriving blue economy,” he said.
“As we delve into discussions, debates and sharing of ideas in the course of this retreat, let us remain steadfast in our dedication to charting a course that maximises economic potential while safeguarding our marine resources for generations to come.”
Meanwhile, having committed to the performance bond at the ministerial committee weeks ago, he said “the Council has pledged to unwavering dedication to accountability, efficiency and delivering results that exceed expectations” as basis for measuring the agency’s performance.
“This commitment should solidify our resolve to serve with utmost efficiency and effectiveness. Therefore, it is incumbent on us as an organisation to align our Key Performance Indicators to that of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as contained in the performance bond signed with the Minister.”
