The Maritime Advocacy Foundation (MAF) has opposed the proposed repeal of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act, warning that such a move would severely undermine the interests and contributions of Nigerian shippers to the nation’s economy. MAF called on the government and public to resist the legislative changes scheduled for a public hearing on May 27, 2024, by the Federal House of Representatives’ Committee on Shipping Services.
The Maritime Advocacy Foundation (MAF) held a press conference on Friday in Lagos to address the upcoming public hearing by the Federal House of Representatives’ Committee on Shipping Services. Scheduled for May 27, 2024, the hearing will consider repealing the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act (Cap. 133 LFN 2004) to replace it with a new regulatory body, the Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency.
MAF, represented by the Head of Publicity, Dr. Eugene Nweke , strongly opposed the proposed bill. Dr. Nweke emphasized the critical role of shippers in global trade, describing them as the “proverbial hen that lays the golden eggs in transportation.” He highlighted that shippers are fundamental to job creation and economic sustainability, serving as key players in import and export activities.
“The shippers are vital initiators of trade, financial exchange, and transport activities, which bolster global economies,” Dr. Nweke stated. He elaborated on international conventions like the Hague, Hague-Visby, and Hamburg Rules that govern the relationships between ship owners and cargo owners, ensuring fair practices and protecting shippers’ rights.
Dr. Nweke criticized the proposed legislative changes as a significant setback for Nigeria’s shipping industry. “The move to repeal the Nigerian Shippers Council Act is a deliberate insult to the wisdom of our nation’s founding fathers. It undermines the interests of Nigerian shippers who have significantly contributed to job creation and revenue generation,” he asserted.
MAF pointed out that the current Nigerian Shippers Council Act, which evolved from the 1978 decree, has effectively protected shippers’ interests for decades. They argue that the Council’s functions are essential for maintaining economic and trading stability, providing advisory services, evaluating trade climates, and ensuring fair competition and satisfactory delivery services in the logistics chain.
“The repeal of the Act would remove protections against unfair trade practices and economic instability,” Dr. Nweke warned. He urged the Ministers of Transportation and Marine & Blue Economy to oppose the bill and protect the interests of Nigerian shippers.
In closing, Dr. Nweke called on the press and the public to join MAF in resisting the repeal of the Nigerian Shippers Council Act, asserting, “We must counteract the activities of those undermining our national interests. Protecting our shippers is crucial for sustaining economic growth and job creation in Nigeria.”
