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The Nigerian Shippers' Council was established on July 4th, 1978 by Decree 13 of the Federal Government of Nigeria as a response to a long felt need for a united front to protect the interest of Nigerian Shippers. This decision was as a result of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) recommendation for the creation of National and Regional Consultation machinery on Shipping.
In addition to Decree 13 of 1978, the Council also operates under two other enabling regulations of the Federal Government of Nigeria, namely The Nigerian Shippers' Council (Freight Stabilization Fees on Imports and Exports) Regulations 1995 and the Nigerian Shippers' Council (Local Shipping Charges on Imports and Exports) Regulations 1997. The Federal Ministry of Transportation supervises the Council.
STATUTORY FUNCTIONS
- To provide a forum for the protection of the interest of shippers on matters affecting the shipment of imports/ exports to and from Nigeria.
- To promote a forum for consultation between conference, and non-conference lines, tramps owners, the Nigerian Ports Authority, and the government of the Federation on matters of common interest.
- To encourage the formation of Shippers' Association's all over the country.
- To liaise with the appropriate arms of the Government of the Federation and other organisations in assessing the stability and adequacy of existing services and make appropriate recommendation in that behalf.
- To advise the Government of the Federation through the Minister on matters relating to the structure of freight rates, availability and adequacy of shipping space, frequency of sailings, terms of shipment, class and quality of vessels, port charges and facilities and other related matters.
- To negotiate and enter into agreements with conference lines and non-conference lines, ship owners, Nigerian Ports Authority and many other bodies on matters affecting the interests of shippers.
- To consider problems faced by shippers with regard to coastal transport and inland waterway transport and matters relating generally to the transportation of goods by water and advice Government of possible solutions thereto.
- To promote and encourage the study and research into problems affecting shippers in Nigeria
- To arrange from time to time seminars and conferences on any matter relating to its functions, and,
- To carry out such other activities which are conducive to the discharge of its functions under this decree.
MANAGEMENT
At the apex of the Council is the Board of Directors responsible for the formulation of broad policies and general guidelines. The decree establishing the Council provides for some of the Board members to be appointed directly by the Federal Government while the others are ex-officio members representing relevant public and private organisations. The day to day administration and implementation of the Council's policies lie on the Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive - Capt. A. A. Biu - who is supported by five Directors.
For effective management, the Council is made up of five (5) main Departments each headed by a Director and five (5) other Units all reporting to the Chief Executive.
- Department of Inland Transport Services
- Department of Commercial Shipping Services
- Department of Finance and Administration
- Department of Corporate Planning and Research
- Department of Legal Services
- Abuja Liaison Office
- Public Relations Unit
- Internal Audit Unit
- Cargo Defense Services Unit
- SERVICOM Unit
All the Departments and Units are staffed and headed by professionals who are skilled and experienced in various aspects of maritime affairs. The Council has various Zonal, Ports and Area offices across the nation.
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