On the 6th of February, 2024, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) marked a significant milestone with the launch of its Online Portal for the Registration of Regulated Port Service Providers and Users. The unveiling ceremony took place at the Kal Classic Hotel, Onne, Rivers State.
Mr. Glory Onojedo, Director of the South-South Zone of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, addressed participants during the event, emphasizing the portal’s role in promoting competition, preventing monopolies, and ensuring transparent economic services at Nigerian Ports.
Highlighting the government’s support, Mr. Onojedo mentioned that the NSC, appointed as the Ports Economic Regulator, aims to establish an effective regulatory regime controlling tariffs, rates, charges, and related economic services in Nigerian ports.
He further outlined the NSC’s accomplishments, including cost moderation exercises, guidelines for tariff setting, infrastructure development initiatives, compliance monitoring mechanisms, and a complaint resolution mechanism.
Participants were guided through the application process, fee structure, annual renewal, and document upload/download procedures by Mr. Benjamin Ivwighreghweta, the Deputy Director, ICT.
Barr. Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary/CEO of the NSC, expressed the significance of the launch as part of the Council’s efforts to sensitize service providers and users about the benefits of registration. The online portal represents a transition from manual to fully automated registration, facilitating a seamless and interactive process.
Barr. Akutah emphasized that the motive behind the token fee for registration is not revenue generation but to cover administrative charges. He urged all service providers and users to register with the NSC to avoid sanctions, stating that obtaining a certificate of registration is mandatory for legal operation at the nation’s seaports.
Dr. Charles Chukwuemeka Anozie, MD/CEO of Mion Global Emergency Services Limited and Chairman of the Export Trade Group, Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, commended the NSC for the update, predicting that it would enhance business operations at the ports.
*The event concluded with the launching of the online registration portal manual booklet, distributed to stakeholders and participants, marking a crucial step in the NSC’s efforts to streamline and enhance port services in Nigeria.