Shippers Council Targets Paperless Operations By August

Harboursandport.com: Ogun State - The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) is targeting paperless operations by the end of August in line with the directive of the Federal Government.

Secretary to the Ogun State government, Tokunbo Talabi, Representing the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun and Executive Secretary/CEO, the Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, Pius Akutah at the management retreat for the management of the NSC in Abeokuta.

Disclosing this at the management retreat with the theme: "Unlocking the Potentials of the Marine and Blue Economy for Rapid National Economic Development," of the Council in Abeokuta, Executive Secretary/CEO of the NSC, Pius Akutah said the paperless operation reduces bureaucracy.

From left: Secretary to the Ogun State government, Tokunbo Talabi, Representing the governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun; Executive Secretary/CEO, the Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, Pius Akutah and Commissioner of Transportation, Ogun State, Gbenga Dairo at the management retreat for the management of the NSC at Abeokuta.

The Shippers Council boss said the agency will leverage technology and go full paperless in August 2024 to optimise its operations.

Executive Secretary/CEO of NSC, Pius Akutah on brown native (middle) in a group photography with some Directors of the Council.

Stating that the theme of the conference aligned seamlessly with the ministry's strategic vision, Akuta said it "underscores the vast opportunities inherent in the marine and blue economy sector.

Executive Secretary/CEO of NSC, Pius Akutah on brown native in a group photography with Deputy Directors of the Council.

On the management's quest to meet the presidential Key Performance Bond (KPI), Akuta said the agency was determined to make evident contribution to the development and implementation of a national policy on Marine & Blue Economy.

Executive Secretary/CEO of NSC, Pius Akutah on brown native in a group photography with Assistant Directors of the Council.

According to.him, "We aim to create a robust policy framework that harnesses the potential of our marine resources. This is ongoing and our contributions must be evident. 

He.further noted that the implementation of the KPI signed earlier holds the key to achieving several significant deliverables, like "streamlining port operations, enhancing logistics and facilitating seamless trade" to enhance port operations.

Also crucial is the establishment of inland dry ports and vehicle transit areas, crucial for efficient cargo movement; as well as the deployment of an enterprise content management system (ECMS) to drive set goals, among others.

Similarly, the implementation of the Integrated Customs Tariff Nomenclature (ICTN) will aid the agency's revenue generation drive, he said.

He also listed capacity building programmes, including tailored courses within the agency, as well as international exposure to global perspectives as other measures embarked upon by the Council.

He however stressed that the above can only be achieved through collaboration with other industry stakeholders, "restructuring our operations and a culture change."

He further stressed the imperative of amending the Shippers' Council Act to empower the agency as the Port Economic Regulator.