As part of its strategies to drive service efficiency and contribute revenue to the Federal Government, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has set August 2024 for full paperless operations.
NSC Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Pius Akutah, disclosed this Thursday in Abeokuta at the opening ceremony of the council’s three-day 2024 Strategic Management Retreat, with the theme: “Unlocking the Potentials of the Marine and Blue Economy for Rapid National Economic Development.”
Akutah, who noted that paperless operation reduces bureaucracy, said the agency will leverage technology and go full paperless in August 2024 to optimise its operations.
Stating that the theme of the conference aligned seamlessly with the ministry’s strategic vision, the ES said it “underscores the vast opportunities inherent in the marine and blue economy sector.”
On the management’s quest to meet the presidential Key Performance Indicators (KPI), Akutah said the agency was determined to make evident contribution to the development and implementation of a national policy on Marine & Blue Economy.
“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 added.
According to him, the implementation of the KPI holds is 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, and 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.
Others are capacity building programmes, including tailored courses within the agency locally, as well as international exposure to global perspectives.
However, he stressed that these can only be achieved through collaboration with other industry stakeholders, “restructuring our operations and a culture change.”
He further stated the imperative of amending the Shippers’ Council Act to empower the agency as the Port Economic Regulator.
