…As Jime Reels Out other Achievements Since Assumption of Office in June 2001
By Shola Fadeyi & Deinde Adefarakan
As part of measures to enhance export of Nigeria’s agricultural produce , the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has on behalf of the Federal Government, approved 12 domestic export warehouses for commencement of operations nationwide.
The Executive Secretary/ CEO of the Shippers Council, Honourable Emmanuel Jime who confirmed this in Lagos recently as part of his achievements , since his assumption of office in June 2021 , said the approval was secured by the Council, in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council(NEPC).
According to him, some of the facilities granted approval to begin operations include, GEZEWA Commodity Exchange in Kano, MV EHILOMEL , Onne in Rivers State, ESSLIBRA in Ikorodu-Lagos State, Harris Logistics in Lokoja-Kogi State, Sealink Limited in Ajaokuta – Kogi State, Kaduna Inland Dry Port in Kaduna State and AMES-Edo Inland dry Port in Benin-Edo State.
He said other achievements that have been recorded by his management include the Council’s successful supervision of the activities of the Port Standing Task Team (PSTT) in the implementation of the Nigerian Ports Process Manual in the areas of Joint Vessel Boarding, where it saved the economy over N5.8 billion, in Joint Cargo Examination and Operation of free port access roads.
The provision of succor for importers , exporters and other stakeholders in the economy , through the Council’s recovery over N1,90,5001,160.70 for them through its mediation role on the 618 complaints they brought to it between 2021 and March 2022.
Jime stated that the Council during the period also signed MoU with Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to institute a consumer protection regime for the shipping and port industry as well as signed another MoU with Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
The Council’s Executive Secretary/ CEO stated that on on the operations of Inland Dry Ports in Nigeria, 95% Completion of the Dala Inland Dry Port in preparation for official commissioning and commencement of operations in July, 2022 has been achieved.
He disclosed that the Council has been able to record 85% Completion of the Funtua Inland Dry Port in preparation for its official commissioning later in the year, and facilitated and supervised the handover of the Heipang-Jos Inland Dry Port Project to Plateau Investment and Property Development Company (PIPC), to ensure the completion and commissioning of the project later in the year.
Jime said that the Council since his assumption of office has also facilitated full automation of port processes and activities as well as facilitated industrial harmony through the Council’s intervention, during disputes involving MWUN, NARTO NAGAFF and Shipping Companies.
He stated that the Council also promoted the establishment of an International Maritime Resource Centre in Jos and collaborated with Adamawa State Government on the establishment of Vehicle Transit Areas and Border Information Centre in Adamawa.
The Council’s ES/CEO said his management also paid periodic visits to shipping companies and terminal operators to ensure compliance with Council’s regulatory mandate as well as achieved enhanced capacity building for staff to ensure sustained productivity.
