The newly-appointed Executive Secretary/CEO, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Ukeyima Akutah, has expressed satisfaction over the impact Ports & Cargo Handling Services Limited, the flagship company and subsidiary of SIFAX Group, has had on the nation’s maritime sector.
Speaking during his maiden courtesy visit on the management of the terminal, the Shippers’ Council boss noted that Ports & Cargo has maintained its status as the foremost indigenous terminal operator in the country and has made everybody proud with the way it has run its operations.
Akutah said, “We are very pleased with the operations of the terminal over the years. You have positioned yourself as a terminal to reckon with. Your investments in the maritime sector have continued to shape the growth of the blue economy and you have proven that you have the necessary expertise to run this terminal very well.
“I want to solicit your support as always. President Bola Tinubu has given us a mandate and his eyes are firmly on the growth of the sector. We will roll out measures that will support your continued growth. The Council will firmly collaborate with all operators this year to maximize success and entrench more automation of the sector too.”
In his response, the Managing Director, PCHS, John Jenkins thanked the NSC boss and hinted that the terminal is open and willing to collaborate with the Council to achieve the vision of the president.
Other management team members of the terminal present during the visit included- Capt. Ibraheem Olugbade, Executive Director, Administration, Tobi Afolabi, Executive Director, Operations, Sogo Faola, AGM Transfer, PCHS and Patience Nwaogwugwu, Head, SIFAX Stevedoring.
Also, Akutah has led the management of the NSC on a working visit to the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.
The Director General of NIMASA, Bashir Jamoh, in his welcome address, noted the role enabling acts play in the performance and effectiveness of agencies of government.
While disclosing that much progress has been made by the National Assembly to enact a reviewed NIMASA Act, Jamoh expressed optimism that it will greatly enhance the performance of the Agency.
“Your visit is a welcome development and the cooperation you seek is vital for the success of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry. I must inform you that we have made much progress in our effort to review our enabling laws. This is to enhance our performance as an Agency. Now that you have come on board, it is worthy of note that the Nigerian Shippers Council Act was enacted through Decree 13 of 1978, and you will agree with me that modern day reality may necessitate another look at your enabling Act,” Jamoh stated.
On his part, the NSC boss commended the management of NIMASA for her achievements, which he noted would spur the take-off of the Marine and Blue Economy sector.
“I must commend NIMASA management for the visionary leadership under Dr Jamoh. During some of our sessions at the ministerial level, I admire the achievements of NIMASA management during presentations. We thus seek collaboration so we can leverage on these feats”.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council is the country’s port economic regulator and a trade facilitation agency with the responsibility to promote fair trade practices in the industry amongst the providers and consumers of shipping and port services.
Its mandate is to establish an enabling environment for all stakeholders by instituting an efficient and effective economic regulatory system in the transport sector.
It is also one of the agencies under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
