Skip to main content

Speaker Abbas, Minister, Shipping Association Make Case For Establishment Of Regulatory Agency




The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, and the Minister of Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, have pushed for the establishment of a shipping regulatory agency in the country.

The Speaker and the Minister jointly canvassed for the establishment in Abuja during a public hearing on the Shipping Council's repeal and enactment of the Shippers' Council and Economic Regulatory Bill in Abujanon Monday.

The Shipping Line Association of Nigeria also made a strong case for the establishment of the agency, adding that it would improve efficiency and lower cost.

Barr Boma Alabi (SAN), Chairman, Shipping Line Association of Nigeria, said that any act that will improve efficiency, lower cost, and reduce the bottleneck that we currently face will be most welcome.

She stated that the Nigeria Port cost the country twice as much as others in the region, such as the Benin Republic, adding that there was a need to ensure that shopping businesses did not move away from Nigeria.

"We must be more efficient, and we welcome this regulatory agency that will be created to make things more efficient.

"We have expressed our concern internally and externally, and this committee, which has been involved in this process, must work on some areas of concern.

"There are aspects that should be expunged, like sections 40, 42, 52, and a few others; we understand the reason behind this.

"We need to put in some checks and balances so that those in the saddle will not abuse it."

The public hearing was organised by the House Committee on Shipping Services, Port and Harbor, Maritime Safety, Education, and Administration in Abuja.

Speaking, Abbas said that the move to establish the regulatory agency was geared toward economic growth, development, and diversification, as well as strengthening the new ministry.

According to him, this re-enactment seeks to ensure that the proposed agency establishes an economic regulatory framework for effective and efficient regulation of commercial and related activities in the shipping and port sectors.

He added that it was also aimed at creating an enabling environment for private sector participation in the provision and operation of regulated services in Nigeria, amongst others.

"The amended bill encompasses critical provisions addressing several key areas essential for the effective functioning of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

"It details the structure and responsibilities of the management and staff, establishing a clear governance framework that defines roles and qualifications to ensure competent oversight.

"The bill lays out financial provisions, specifying guidelines for the allocation, management, and auditing of funds, which is crucial for maintaining financial integrity and providing the Council with the necessary resources to perform its duties.

"The bill also addresses offenses and penalties, outlining specific non-compliance issues and their corresponding penalties, he said.

The Minister of Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, while canvassing for the need to establish the regulatory agency, said it would improve the nation's economy.

The minister, represented by Mr. Oloruntola Olufemi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Blue Economy, said it would be a welcome development if the bill became an act.

The Chairman of the Committee, Rep. Abdulsamad Dasuki, promised to provide the legislative framework that would allow the bill to become an act.

"This proposal is aimed at providing the regulatory framework aimed at providing the enabling environment in Nigeria."

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Sanwo-Olu's Mistress, Aisha Achimogu, Embarrassed At Wedding Of Governor's Daughter

Saturday, April 6, 2024, is a day that Ms. Aisha Achimogu, the mistress of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, won't forget easily. The birthday celebration of Ms. Achimogu in Grenada early in the year, attended by Governor Sanwo-Olu, sparked controversies.  Many residents and stakeholders accused the Governor of extravagantly spending millions of naira from the state government on the event. Therefore, when Ms. Achimogu was spotted at the wedding of Governor Sanwo-Olu's daughter, Modupeoreoluwa, a lawyer, to Oladele, it provided an opportunity for those who disapproved of her presence around the Governor to take action. The woman and her troop were said to have been stationed at No 9A McDonald in Ikoyi by Governor Sanwo-Olu. Sources at the event revealed that Ms. Achimogu was promptly asked to leave by some guests as soon as she was noticed. Reportedly, what angered them was Ms. Achimogu's audacity to attend the ceremony, especially in the presence of the Governor's ...
Post a Comment
Read more

How I Was Beaten Up By Boys In Canaanland, Ota, On The Orders Of An Italian- Man Laments

Mr. Victor, a welder from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, experienced a harrowing incident on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, while at work in Ota, Ogun State. While going about his daily duties at a construction company responsible for building the ark in Faith Tabernacle, also known as Winner's Chapel, Victor faced an unexpected altercation with his boss, an Italian man named Mr. Lucas. According to Victor, the altercation escalated when Mr. Lucas suddenly slapped him on the ear from behind, without any apparent provocation. Shocked by the unwarranted assault, Victor instinctively retaliated by delivering a slap in return.  However, the situation took a drastic turn when Mr. Lucas allegedly instructed some Nigerian boys to physically assault Victor in retaliation. Subsequently, Victor was subjected to a brutal beating by the group of assailants, resulting in severe injuries, including pores coming out of his ears. Since the incident, Victor has been struggling to recover both physical...
Post a Comment
Read more

Waliu Taiwo Not Fit to Represent Ogun West in the Senate – Stakeholders

As preparations for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections gain momentum, political activities are heating up, with aspirants beginning to declare their intentions to contest various offices. In Ogun State, one of the emerging contenders for the Ogun West Senatorial District seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC) is Hon. Waliu Taiwo, Chairman of the Ogun State House of Assembly Service Commission.  Taiwo reportedly seeks to replace Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, popularly known as Yayi, who is rumoured to have plans to succeed Governor Dapo Abiodun after his second term. However, some political stakeholders and elders in the Ogun West Senatorial District are reportedly opposing Taiwo’s ambition, arguing that he is unfit to represent the area in the Senate. Sources within the APC claimed that these stakeholders believe Taiwo lacks the credentials, vision, and capacity required for such a position.  They accused him of being driven by personal interests rather than a genui...
Post a Comment
Read more