Bello Seeks FG’s Support for Commercial Regulators

Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr. Hassan Bello, has called on the federal government to give strong political will and support to all commercial regulators in the country to enable them achieve the mandate by the government.

Bello also said the Council plan was to ensure that human contact is reduced at the ports through automation.

Speaking to journalists in Lagos, he said commercial regulators in every sector of the economy needed strong political will of the government to achieve their mandate.

He observed various challenges being faced by regulators in the country, adding that they needed strong government backing to succeed.

Noting some weaknesses being suffered by a number of regulators because of what he described as regulatory atmosphere, Bello said strong government backing would strengthen them.

Bello also gave assurance about the place of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the Ports Regulator when the National Transport Commission (NTC) is passed into law, adding that the BPE has said that regulator would form the nucleus of the Commission.

On the current state of automation in the ports, he said by next year, very few people would be at the ports due to high level of automation.

According to him, many agencies of government have embraced automation, but expressed regret that where there could be problem was among the freight forwarders, railways and transporters.

Bello said that the Council was concerned about achieving competence and competitiveness in the ports.

He solicited for the support and cooperation of NPA, NIMASA, Customs Service, SON, NAFDAC, Immigration Service and the Police to succeed in its statutory duties.