‘It’ll enhance transparency’ — coalition backs bill to establish shippers regulatory agency

The Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Nigeria for Promotion of Accountability and Transparency in Governance (CCSGNPATG) has backed the bill to establish the shippers council regulatory agency of Nigeria.

The bill, which seeks to repeal the Nigeria Shippers’ Council Act and enact the shipping and port economic regulatory agency bill, passed the second reading at the house of representatives in February.

The proposed legislation aims to empower the council to effectively regulate the shipping industry, protect the interests of shippers, and promote economic growth.

Speaking on behalf of the CSOs at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Patriot Ndubisi, leader of the group, said the bill will introduce transparency, accountability, and efficiency to the sector.

Ndubisi added that the bill will also strengthen the powers of the shippers council, reduce costs, increase competition, and improve service delivery.

“Our coalition is pleased to note that 99% of the opinions expressed at the public hearing were in favour of the bill as presented,” he said.

“We want to specifically commend the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Rt. Hon. Tajudden Abbas, for the speedy consideration of the bill by the people’s House under his leadership. 

“This is even as we use this opportunity to appeal to the Right Honourable Speaker to help sustain this tempo given the significance of this bill, its importance to the national economy, and the positive impact it would have on the lives of citizens.”

He asked Senate President Godswill Akpabio to ensure that the bill scales through in the upper legislative chamber.

“We are of the view that such accelerated handling of the Shipping Council Regulatory Bill aligns with the Senate President’s avowal to tackle inflation, economic hardship, and difficulties that Nigerians are facing,” he said.

“We look forward to commending the Senate for the manner it will treat the bill when it comes to the Red Chamber for concurrence.

“Our final appeal goes to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his speedy assent when the bill is transmitted to the Presidency.

“With the passion he has shown for rebooting Nigeria’s economy to its optimum, we do not doubt that Mr. President will greet the Shipping Council Regulatory Bill with the same urgency with which the Student Loan Bill was greeted to become an Act.”

The groups commended Adegboyega Oyetola, minister of marine and blue economy, for supporting the bill.