The Speaker of House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, has canvassed for the establishment of a shipping regulatory agency in the country.
He made the call during a public hearing on the Shipping Council’s repeal and enactment of the Shippers’ Council and Economic Regulatory Bill in Abuja on Monday.
The public hearing was organised by the House Committee on Shipping Services, Port and Harbor, Maritime Safety, Education and Administration to look into issues bothering on the operations of the sector.
Abbas said the move to establish a regulatory agency would be geared towards economic growth, development, and diversification, as well as strengthening the ministry of Blue Economy.
According to him, this re-enactment seeks to ensure that the proposed agency establishes an economic regulatory framework for effective and efficient regulation of commercial and related activities in the shipping and port sectors.
The speaker added that it was also aimed at creating an enabling environment for private sector participation in the provision and operation of regulated services in Nigeria, amongst others.
“The amended bill encompasses critical provisions addressing several key areas essential for the effective functioning of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
“It details the structure and responsibilities of the management and staff, establishing a clear governance framework that defines roles and qualifications to ensure competent oversight.
“The bill hopes to outline the financial provisions, specifying guidelines for the allocation, management, and auditing of funds, which is crucial for maintaining financial integrity and providing the council with the necessary resources to its operations.
“The bill will also address the imminent offences and states penalties for non-compliance among others,’’ he said.
The Minister of Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, who also corroborated the views of Abbas, said that the bill would improve the nation’s economy.
Oyetola, represented by Mr Oloruntola Olufemi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Blue Economy, said it would be a welcome development if the bill became an act.
He urged for a speedy passage of the bill l, adding that it would contribute to the nation’s economic growth
The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Abdulsamad Dasuki, promised to provide the necessary legislative framework that would allow the bill to become an act.
“This proposal is aimed at providing the regulatory framework aimed at providing the enabling environment in Nigeria,” he said.
Mr Boma Alabi (SAN), Chairman, Shipping Line Association of Nigeria, said he welcomes any act that would improve efficiency, lower cost, and reduce the bottlenecks being currently faced.
She stated that the Nigeria Port cost the country twice as much as others in the region such as the Benin Republic, adding that there was a need to ensure that shipping businesses do not stray to countries outside Nigeria.
“We must be more efficient, and we welcome this regulatory agency that will be created to make things more efficient.
“We have expressed our concerns internally and externally, and this committee, which has been involved in this process, must work on some areas of concerns.
“There are aspects that should be expunged, like sections 40, 42, 52, and a few others; we understand the reason behind this.
“We need to put in some checks and balances so that those in the saddle will not abuse it,” he said.(NAN)
