E-registration:  Shippers' Council to close  Offices of Non-compliant Operators

The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has concluded plans to seal up the operational offices of port operators and users who fail to comply with its e-registration policy. 

The enforcement will take effect from the fourth quarter of 2024. 

The Executive Secretary/CEO of NSC, Pius Akutah, gave this hint, during the sensitisation workshop of NSC e-registration of port operators and users, yesterday. 

Akutah, who was represented by the Director, of Consumers Services of the Council, Cajetan Agu, also explained that port service operators and users who have registered with the NSC will be avail relevant information to aid their operations. 

He noted that the Council for now will continue the sensitisation of stakeholders on the need for registration; but stressed that they will soon commence enforcement of the law which will include the closure of operational offices. 

Similarly, Deputy Director, of Consumers Services, Celestine Akunjobi, said only 185 port service providers and users have so far registered. 

He disclosed that the Council will continue its enlightenment campaign before it will commence enforcement of the law by the beginning of the fourth quarter. 

He noted that at the end of the exercise, a comprehensive list of registered operators and users will be published on the Council’s website, stressing that only those on the list would be deemed qualified to operate in the nation’s maritime environment. 

He also noted that while most foreign port service providers have registered with the Council, their Nigerian counterparts, who include port users, are not complying. 
He explained that at the end of the third quarter, the Council might stop non-compliant operators and users from operating in the nation’s seaport environment. 

Akunjobi also noted that any shipping company or Terminal Operator that engages a non-registered operator will be made to face the law. 

He said that the Council regularly get calls from and within the country from operators seeking information about their clients, further noted that most times such clients are found not to engage as the address given are fake. 

He stressed that the e-registration of regulated port service providers and users of the Council will not only curb faceless operators but will also serve as a security tool for the government