By Sandra Chukwunyere
*** appointees charged to develop actionable ideas for port growth_
As part of efforts to birth innovative ideas to enhance the performance of the nation’s seaports, the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) has inaugurated five new Committees to deliver optimal consultative services.
The new committees are: Ports Legal Committee chaired by Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN) and Mrs. Gloria Kanabe as Vice Chairperson; Port Operations and Logistics Committee chaired by Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu and Dr. Ikenna Nwosu as Vice Chairman; Finance and General Purpose Committee chaired by Ify Akerele and Mrs. Blessing Osakwe-Ogo as Vice Chair; Research Development, Consultancy and Training Committee chaired by Prof. Bamidele Badejo and Hajia Aisha Ali-Ibrahim as Vice Chairperson; Media/ Publicity Committee chaired by Dr. Hope Orivri and Mr. Kenneth Jukpor as Secretary.
Speaking at the inauguration on Tuesday, the Chairman of NPCC, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola charged the new appointees to see their positions as a patriotic call to contribute to reforms at the nation’s seaports and an opportunity to give back to Nigeria.
His words: “The success of the NPCC lies in our individual ability to harness the expertise, creativity and collective wisdom of all committee members, both old and new. Ladies and gentlemen, let us from today refocus NPCC and work with our hearts in order to meet the great expectations of the marine and blue economy of our dear nation.
“On behalf of the Board and the entire Council, I extend my gratitude for your presence here today, which is an epitome of your commitment to the growth and development of the Nigerian maritime sector. Today’s event emphasizes our collective dedication to fostering collaboration, inclusion and excellence in port operations, administration and governance.”
He explained that the NPCC has over the years been a cornerstone of the Nigerian maritime industry, serving as a pivot for advocacy, advisory, arbitration, consulting, and trading, stressing that these principles will continue to guide the Council’s activities towards achieving sustainable growth for Nigerian ports.
Sunmola posited that so much is expected from the newly constituted Committee to reposition the port sector, even as he acknowledged and appreciated the contribution of the members of the previous committees which laid a strong foundation for the tasks ahead.
The NPCC Vice Chairman, Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN), who administered the oath of office to the new committee leaders, encouraged the officials to be diligent and dedicated in their new roles.
Anishere, also noted that the Committee chairpersons were at liberty to co-opt additional members into their groups but only after consulting the NPCC leadership.
The veteran maritime lawyer, Anishere, equally ensured that the Committee chairpersons received their terms of reference, which highlighted their key functions.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated Committees, the Chairman of Port Operations and Logistics, Capt. Iheanacho Ebubeogu, expressed gratitude and reassured the NPCC of dutiful performance of the Committees.
Ebubeogu also highlighted the need for the committee leaders to have copies of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Act, Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Act 2023, Coast Guard Bill, Free Trade Zone Act and other vital legislation for the ports sector.
