Ports: Shippers Council Boss Tasks Shipping Line on Rules of Engagement, Procedures
Container depot
The Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Mr. Emmanuel Jime, on Monday stressed the need for shipping lines to be guided by rules of engagement as well as procedures in Nigerian ports.
Jime who spoke when he received the new Country Manager of Hapag-Lloyd Nigeria Shipping Ltd, Mr. Himmat Ahlawat in his office advised the shipping line to ensure the it abides by the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in Nigerian ports.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports the Executive Secretary explaining that it was imperative for shipping line among others to be guided by the SOP.
According to him, this was in the interest of Hapag-Lloyd, the council and the nation’s economy.
Jime said, “Everyone benefits when due process is in place,” Jime said, adding that shipping lines are governed by laws and procedures.
“Your visit is an introductory visit, one that introduces you to the shipper’s council as the new helmsman at Hapag-Lloyd, and we are indeed very happy to meet with you.
“The relationship that shippers council has with the industry, particularly shipping lines, is one that is bordering on mandate, being the port’s economic regulator.
“In that capacity, it means that we regulate your activities, particularly those that border on the commercial side of shipping; therefore, it is very healthy and I believe it is important we understand ourselves.
“The beauty about regulation is that there is clarity provided in the environment”
Jime explained that regulation makes it possible for businesses to be guided properly by rules of engagement and procedures.
He added, “I have an interest to also come to your offices, see exactly how you are structured as the council emphasises automation in the industry.
“These are the modern ways of doing business.
“Apart from the fact that automation help one to be efficient and keep workplace safe, it allows one to do business in way that is cost-effective and profitable”.
The Director of Consumer Affairs Department of NSC, Mr. Cajetan Agu, also asked the Country manager to take a strong look at the issue of unclaimed container deposits and invoicing in his company.
Ahlawat in his response said his shipping line would look at issues raised by the Council urgently.
He said, “I am here to introduce myself as I have just taken over, I want to hear from you your expectations and how we can best serve the community.
“As a German company, we pride ourselves in the rule of law; you can rest assured of our cooperation.”
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