The Nigerian Shipper’s Council has expressed it readiness to partner with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS), Nigerian Chapter for effective training and capacity development in line with its set goals and objectives.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Mr. Hassan Bello disclosed this in Lagos when he received the officials of ICS led by the Chairman, Captain S. Olarewaju who paid him a courtesy call in Lagos.
Bello said the working visit which is timely and appropriate came at the time when the Ministry of Transportation is taking stock to synergize all aspect of shipping.
According to him, NSC being the economic regulator of the ports has the role of advising government on macro-economic issues as it affects shipping and transportation. In order to achieve it, there is the need for the council to seek knowledge on types of ships, vessels, the configurations and trade routes which is very important to the council and hope the institution will be able to provide that.
Bello said the NSC need to know about the different branches of shipping like freight forwarding, consolidation of cargoes and so on which will all help in advising the government especially now that Nigerian Shippers Council is the Chairman of the Nigerian Fleet Implementation Committee.
The NSC helmsman pointed out the need for awareness about the indigenous shipping operators in Nigeria.
His word: “If you control the means of transportation, you control the trade. There is the need for us to own and operate ships in order to boost our economy through the earning that we will get. It is not right to leave it in the hands of foreigners to control the shipping, make money in our country and go”.
Bello called on the institute to strategize and initiate efforts that will put Nigeria on a pedestal to control and own its ships and not leaving it in the hands of foreigners.
He also tasked the institute to be worthy partners for Nigerians to go and take over and restore shipping. He also advised that our insurance companies and financial institutions should also be involved.
The Chairman of ICS, Captain S. Olarewaju called for patronage and support from the Council by sponsoring its workforce on short and long term professional and skill development programmes of the institute.
Olarewaju stated that the Institute of Chartered Ship Brokers, London was brought to Nigeria in order to make our economy grow better.
He commended ICS for its meaningful contributions to the nation’s maritime industry.
