Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NPCC to strengthen ADR for improved trade environment

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) on Friday agreed on the need to boost Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) efforts in the port trade sector, to support investors’ confidence.

This agreement arose from both parties’ discussions when the Chairman of the NPCC, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, led a delegation of executive members on a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr. Pius Akutah, MON, in his office in Apapa, Lagos.

Recognising the NPCC for its crucial role in the Nigerian port sector and the nation’s economy, the Shippers’ Council boss said: “I can guarantee that if we work together with you, a lot of things can be resolved; like the aspect of the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), which is an area of great interest to us, particularly because Mr. President is looking at building the economy from this sector.

“So, we need not to bore the sector with a lot of litigation that can tie down investments and leave negative impact on the economy. We want what can promote the economy as quickly as possible. So, ADR – resolving maritime disputes is the sure way to go. We believe that with your expertise and your commitment and array of experts working with you we can partner in that regard.”

Akutah highlighted how the Council’s engagement in dispute resolution through its in-house mechanisms helped save the country of over six billion naira, thus far in 2024, and added that staff would be further trained in that regard.

His words: “We have a very strong conflict resolution unit and we intend to put them through mainstream trainings that would empower them the more. We are looking forward at the advent of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, we know that maritime logistics will go higher and a lot of disputes would come out of it. So, we have to prepare ourselves ahead of time to be able to resolve those issues. We will like to strengthen our partnership with you, for those initiatives.”

He thanked the NPCC for paying attention to the activities of the Shippers’ Council and offering industry advice, which he said would always be embraced.

“Thank you for paying attention to what we are doing here and for offering industry advice that we need. This sector is beyond just an agency, so a lot of issues would come up every now and then. But stakeholders like you are readily on hand  to  assist where there are needs, and where you see a gap, you let us know , so that we can quickly adjust meet the challenges and the realities of the sector,” Barrister Akutah said.

He also expressed confidence of the Council’s soon-to-be legally backed status as the nation’s Port Economic Regulator, considering the progress already achieved at the National Assembly.

His words: “As a matter of fact, the House of Representatives has passed the Bill, which is now with the Senate, and it has considered it. What is remaining now is to pass it. Now that they are back from recess, we are hoping that in the coming week or two, they should be able to pass the Bill.”

Speaking earlier on the purpose of the visit, the NPCC Chairman, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, assured the Shippers’ Council boss of a firm commitment to the growth of Nigeria’s port sector, advocating for safe and sustainable operations, enhancing efficiency and supporting a regulatory environment that benefits all stakeholders.

“With our foundation rooted in a commitment to best practices, our team is equipped with industry experts and government representatives who collectively shape a progressive vision for Nigeria’s maritime future.

“Our core mandate – Advocacy, Advisory, Arbitration, and Consulting- empower us to support collaboration among diverse parties within the industry. Notably, we are open to providing mediation services as a form of arbitration to help resolve any challenges or disagreements that the Shippers’ Council may encounter with other stakeholders. We believe that neutral and constructive mediation can facilitate productive dialogue, reduce conflicts, and lead to outcomes beneficial to the entire industry,” Sunmola said.

He commended the Executive Secretary for the prompt and efficient drive towards ensuring the attainment of the legal status of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the port economic regulator, and his revisiting the importance of the Cargo Tracking Note (CTN), aimed to ease the process of doing business in the nation’s seaports.

The NPCC chairman sought representatives from the Shippers’ Council, saying that: “The Nigerian Ports Consultative Council, in achieving its core essence and value, which is collaboration with strategic agencies such as the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), seeks at least two representatives from each of these agencies to represent them as our council members and attend all council meetings whenever called for.”

In an affirmative response, Akutah said: “As you spoke, I wondered why we had not had further engagements until you said there had been only one person who comes for your meeting. I think that we need to as quickly as possible, nominate appropriate staff of the Council that will be on your team. With that, we will be able to work more closely with you and create some other engagements outside of a courtesy visit like this.”

The Shippers’ Council boss also gave his word to hold talks with his management team for possible consideration of the NPCC’s request for support to renovate its Secretariat in Lagos.

“I heard you loud and clear and I will take your request to management, so we can look at and be able to deal with it,” he said.

Vice- chairperson of the NPCC, the Learned Silk, Jean Chiazor- Anishere, SAN; Captain Emmanuel Ebubeogu, an active member and Head of NIMAREX programme for the Council, and Dr. Hope Orivri – Media Consultant to the NPCC, accompanied the chairman on the visit.