NSC boss applauds Customs, NPA on automation, trade facilitation

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, has commended the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, and the Nigerian Ports Authority, NPA, for their various roles in facilitating trade at the ports.

Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Barr Hassan Bello, who described the two agencies of the federal government as ‘big brothers in partnership at the ports,’ said they have contributed immensely in   facilitating trade  in the country.

Bello  spoke glowingly in favour of the agencies  during this year’s Night of Appreciation, which was a gala dinner organised by the Ports Regulator to appreciate stakeholders who have contributed in the development of the ports industry.

He said that the Council has noticed the efforts of both Customs and NPA in the introduction of various automation programmes that have brought about the ease of doing business at the ports.

The automation programmes, he said, have  made goods clearance at the ports easier and faster, a development he said  has  addressed the nightmare which shippers suffered in the  past.

He singled out both Customs and NPA among other agencies  at the ports as being  responsive in addressing complaints affecting trade at the ports.

According to him, the e-payment system introduced by the NPA has made things easy for the port users.

He also applauded the various customs commands for their efforts in facilitating trade, adding that this was impacting positively in   businesses at the ports.

Bello attributed this success to the leadership qualities of the Comptroller-General of the Customs, Col. Hameed Ali and his counterpart in the NPA,  Hadiza Usman.

The Council   had on the Night of Appreciation   honoured seven shipping giants in Nigeria for their contributions in the development of nation’s maritime industry.

Among the  companies who were given certificates of recognition at a gala night held at Oriental Hotels   were Intels Nigeria Limited, Alraine Shipping Limited, PIL Shipping Ltd, Ports & Cargo Limited, Ports & Terminal Operators Ltd (PTOL), Greenview Shipping Limited and Alink Nigeria Limited.

Bello said that the award of recognition was to appreciate their contributions to the national economy as it affects the maritime industry. Intels, Alraine, PIL, Greenview have spent more than three decades in shipping operations in Nigeria.

The Council also honoured the Transportation Minister, Mr Chibuike Amaechi with a certificate of recognition as the ‘Most Active Advocate for Change’ in the maritime transport industry.

Amaechi who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Sabiu Zakari  lauded the mediation and regulatory roles of the NSC.