Shippers mull new port order
By Eniola Idris
The Shipper Association of Lagos State has called for better collaboration among stakeholders to ursher in a new port order for Nigeria.
President, SALS, Jonathan Nichol, in an exclusive chart with SlyeNews said the new port order will improve the relationship between the terminal operator’s, shipping lines, shippers and government agencies and create an enabling shipping environment for all.
He said: “Our pursuit for a new port order is sacrosanct. There will be cordial relationship with the terminal operators and the shipping lines as it used to be. We believe we understand ourselves better nowadays.
. Jonathan Nichol
“With the inauguration of the National Shippers Association of Nigeria recently, the public will witness a new dawn in the maritime sector. The move coincides with appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer for the Nigerian Shippers Council who will pilot the affairs and to whom we will offer our unflinching support and cooperation, he said.
Nichol said indiscriminate port charges will be tackled by all stakeholders in the sector under the new port order.
“Shippers will engage and work harmoniously with all the government agencies, especially, with NIMASA who have in recent times kicked against war risk Insurance; the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
“The quest for reduction of cost of doing business will be tackled nationally. We have always been a united family and indeed the seafarers are our pride. Provisions should be made for them by foreign ship owners to engage our seafarers regularly and any issue affecting this bond should be removed.
“Shippers Association Lagos State will endeavour to bring about the peaceful co-existence in the maritime sector through dialogue together with the national body as laid down by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
” We shall collectively assist the government to reshape the collapsed import adjustment policies for the benefit of all.
“The Apapa traffic gridlock will fissle out as it came. The owners of cargo, the shipping community and terminal operators will come together to resolve the ugly traffic situation. All the challenges were man-made and as such it is man that will eventually solve his problems.
“Government revenue generation will improve if such bottlenecks are non-existent. The Nigeria Police will be engaged to jettison double handling of cargo which is new and embarrassing.
“These are some of the reasons why the National Shippers Association was inaugurated with active State Chapters to help in solving our trade problems. The Nigeria Customs Service will be engaged constructively to reduce the harsh conditions on shippers and their cargo on the highways and within and around the ports.
“More importantly, there will be more channels for evacuation of cargo within our river boundaries.
“All stakeholders should brace up for the introduction of the new port order through collective bargaining. The Shippers Association Lagos State will bring all authorised stakeholders to contribute their quota through collective bargaining to achieve these goals. There will be foreseeable peace and progress in our trade platforms. You can feel it coming. Be prepared.” He stated
