Less than six months after taking the baton from hardworking Hassan Bello as the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Shippers Council, Emmanuel Jime, a former lawmaker has shown that he is not a push over as people are wont to think.

Before now, Jime, who also is a former NEPZA boss was criticized as a lame duck leader who as a politician had come to cripple the already vibrant agency and line his pockets.

Recent developments has however shown otherwise. Nanbol Nanle, his Special Adviser told DFCnews that Jime is not only brilliant but a very fast learner.

Jime actually proved this by outlining what he has done within a space of 5months at the agency to the consternation of most of his critics.

He did not stop at this. He also had in black and white, how he intends to turnaround the agency in four years.

Analysts believe that these achievements, if faithfully and dutifully carried out will write his name in gold in the maritime sector.

Below are his agenda for the next four years and what he has achieved already. Enjoy

The following agenda is herby articulated to help guide the Council in the next four (4) years.

CONSOLIDATION OF PAST PROJECTS/PROGRAMMES

Work towards full implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN).

Ensure the completion of construction and commencement of operations of at least four (4) Inland Dry Ports and at least two (2) Vehicle Transit Areas in Nigeria.

Build and operate at least two (2) Border Information Centers in next 2 years.

Have in operation an Empty Container Insurance Scheme or Guarantee Scheme.

Collaboration with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and the Shipping Companies, to have in operation a Consumer Protection Regime in the maritime international trade industry.

Sign Memorandum of Understanding with Shipping Companies.

NEW INNOVATIONS:

To develop a software Application to enable Shippers obtain from their hand set Shipping and Logistics information

-Shipping news

-Maritime Trade Statistics

-Charges at the Ports

-Rotation number of vessels

-Local Shipping Charges

-Terminal Charge

-Lodging of Shippers Complaint

To develop a software Application for inland cargo tracking from ports to the final destination.

STAKEHOLDER’S ENGAGEMENTS

..Institute Industry Stakeholders Consultative Committee.

Organize more stakeholders’ engagements and enlightenment programmes.

PRESS RELATIONS

Institute an effective and robust communication strategy for the Council with the media (print and electronic)

TRADE FACILITATION

Advocacy and creation of awareness for shippers to participate in both ECOWAS and AfCFTA Trade.

Advocacy to eliminate gridlock.

Advocacy to establish and operate the Single Window system.

Advocacy to eliminate check points on trade corridors.

REGULATION:

Strengthen regulatory framework and the need to develop a modus operandi for regulation.

Strengthen enforcement mechanism: need to enforce registration; and the need to confront activities of government agencies hampering trade.

Standardize processes and procedure.

Resuscitate Cargo Defense Fund and make it operational within one year

Upgrade the Port Service Support Portal (PSSP) to make it more robust.

Establish Export Desk at designated loading centers for Export. This will help in formalizing informal trade.

ACHIEVEMENTS SO FAR ………….

ENGAGEMENT WITH PORT SERVICE PROVIDERS

In an effort to effect full digitalisation of the port operation process, the Council carried out an advocacy exercise for port service providers on importance of compliance with digitalisation of port operational process. Although most shipping agencies have achieved 99% digitalization of their process, they still resort to use of manual processes in some aspect, this is due to the demand for hard copies of manifest by some government agencies. However, we have urged those government agencies to automate their processes to ensure full compliance in line with the current best practice.

A standing committee composed of representatives of Shipping Line Agencies and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council was established, this is aimed at maintaining a harmonious working relationship with the shipping companies. The Committee meets regularly to discuss challenges encountered by the users/providers of the shipping services and then proffer solutions to challenges, arising.

As a result of our collaboration with the Maritime Police Command, there has been a reduction in the rate of complaints received from the freight forwarding agents on the incessant issuance of detention alert placed on duly cleared containers by the officers of the Marine Police.

ENGAGEMENT WITH USERS OF PORTS SERVICES

We have set up and inaugurated the National Shippers Association of Nigeria (NASAN). This is with a view to giving the shippers across Nigeria, a stronger voice in addressing common issues of interest with the service providers and to also contribute to national policies affecting practice and conduct of international trade.

The Council in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is working towards the establishment of Domestic Export Warehouses across country. This will assist in addressing the current challenges experienced in the export chain.

The Council is also working together with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to institute a Consumer Protection Regime for the shipping and ports industry. A Memorandum of Understanding is about to be signed on this subject matter.

The Council in collaboration with the Union of African Shippers’ Council under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Transportation organised the Standing Committee No. 1 meeting and Mini Sensitization Workshop on African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The collaboration will help Shippers Councils in the sub-region to improve their advocacy with shipping service providers and other government agencies in the port ecosystem to streamline processes that will enable shippers clear consignments on time.

The Council has been able to resolve a lot of disputes between Shipping Companies and Shippers or Freight Forwarders. From July – December, 2021 a total of 171 complaints were received, 82 cases were resolved and 89 cases still outstanding.

The sum of ₦900,809,361.00 (Nine Hundred Million, Eight Hundred and Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty-One Naira) was saved as a result of the Council’s intervention.

DEVELOPMENT OF INLAND DRY PORTS AND VEHICLE TRANSIT AREA IN NIGERIA

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has been the initiator and promoter of Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) and Vehicle Transit Areas in Nigeria. The establishment of IDPs and Vehicle Transit Areas is primarily aimed at reducing sea port congestion, bringing shipping services closer to the hinterland and safe carriage of goods from the ports to other parts of Nigeria.

On resumption of duty, I visited the Jos Heipang Inland Dry Port, Dala Inland Dry Port, work is in appreciable progress and we hope that these projects will be delivered for commissioning in the second quarter of the year 2022.

The process of commencing the Ibadan IDP project is on course. The Full Business Case (FBC) has been submitted to the Federal Ministry of Transportation. The Transaction Advisers have submitted their report and the Federal Executive Council is expected to grant an approval in January, 2022 so that the development of the facility can officially commence.

Picture: Hon. Emmanuel Layambee Jime