The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has said it saved the country from spending billions of naira by performing its statutory roles and functions.
Pius Akutah, the Executive Secretary (ES) of the NSC on Sunday, August 18, 2024, said the council’s dispute resolution mechanism was effective and it has bolstered its operations.
Speaking at a maiden visit to Kaduna to interact with the council’s staff and the State Shippers Association (KSSA), Akutah said complaints such as loss of cargo and charges accompanied by it from owners, among other issues, were handled professionally and resolved by the council.
In addition, Akutah said, “Rail transportation is the best and most effective and cheaper means of transporting cargoes from the hinterland to the seaport.”
He noted that the council and the Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC) had signed a memorandum of understanding to enhance rail transport integration in ports.
According to him, the collaboration was aimed at tackling the challenges of rail transportation costs and promote the use of rail systems for efficient cargo movement.
He said, “We are working to see how the national body of the shippers association is put together so they continue the good work they are doing.”
Also speaking, the president of the KSSA, Augustine Achilike, stated that the NSC in the State performed extremely well, especially, in the development of Inland Dry Port (IDP) and bringing shipping to their doorstep.
He said the council has conducted over six massive awareness seminars and workshops on the importance of trade facilitation in the hinterland and neighbouring countries.
