Shippers’ Council Mulls Creation of National Shippers’ Association

Abiola Seun, Zion Olalekan

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), as part of its efforts at revitalizing the Shippers’ Association has commenced moves for the formation of a National Shippers’ Association across the country.

This was disclosed at a one-day meeting with selected Presidents of State Shippers’ Association at the Council head office in Lagos on Tuesday.

The Executive Secretary of the council, Mr. Hassan Bello stated that the forum is to provide a platform that would develop a framework for the formulation of a credible and resourceful National Shippers’ Association.

Bello who was represented at the meeting by the Director, Consumer Affairs Department, Chief C.C Agu emphasized that the shippers are and still remain the most important partners to the Council.

He said ‘‘The key priority of the Council is to ensure that shippers are constituted into strong and formidable blocks capable of negotiating with transport service providers on freight payable and associated transport costs’’.

At the end of the meeting, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and Presidents of State Shippers’ Association unanimously agreed on the formulation of National Shippers’ Association.

Meanwhile, the Council in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) will hold an enlightenment programme on Ethics and Integrity in Shipping Trade.

According to a statement made available to newsmen, the Director, Special Duties, Tahir Idris said the purpose of the seminar is to acquaint the trading Community with the rules, regulations and requirements for conducting shipping trade and the need for stakeholders to comply accordingly.

He further stated that the expected participants should include Importers/Exporters, Freight forwarders, Trade groups, Commodity groups and prospective Shippers across the nation.