A coalition of civil society organizations in Nigeria, known as the Coalition of Civil Society Groups for the Promotion of Accountability and Transparency in Governance, has expressed support for the proposed Nigeria Shippers Council regulatory agency bill, stating that it will address the country’s economic challenges.
Agenda Newspaper reports that the Bill for an Act to repeal the Nigeria Shippers’ Council Act and establish the Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill recently passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
On May 27, 2024, the House Committee on Shipping Services and Related Matters conducted a public hearing to gather feedback on the bill.
If enacted, the proposed bill will grant the Nigerian Shippers Council the authority to effectively regulate the shipping industry, safeguard the interests of shippers, and stimulate economic growth.
During a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Patriot Nwogu Ndubisi, representing the coalition, praised the committee for holding the public hearing, which allowed stakeholders to provide input on the bill.
The group believes that the bill will help mitigate the country’s economic crisis, particularly the rising inflation.
“We specifically commend the House of Representatives for the swift consideration of the bill. We urge Senate President Godswill Akpabio to ensure the Senate matches the House’s pace in addressing the bill. We trust that the expedited processing of the Shipping Council Regulatory Bill aligns with the Senate President’s commitment to addressing inflation and economic hardships faced by Nigerians. We look forward to commending the Senate for its handling of the bill when it reaches the Red Chamber for concurrence,” the group stated.
They also called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to promptly sign the bill once it is passed to him.
