… targets 1% freight stabilisation fee for Council’s 2025 budget
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has said that it will commence the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) by the second quarter of this year.
The Executive Secretary of NSC, Pius Akutah, who disclosed this while speaking at the Council’s 2025 Management Retreat in Ibadan, on Tuesday stated that the Council will carry out the implementation under the guardian of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.
He also disclosed that the Council’s 2025 budget will be anchored on the one per cent freight stabilisation fee based on provisions in its current law.
The Shippers Council boss also expressed optimism that the Council will soon transmute into the Nigerian Shipping and Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA).
He noted that contrary to belief that the implementation of the Freight Stabilisation Fee would introduce additional costs at the ports, he further stressed that the situation is akin to choosing what aspect of the Act to implement as the one per cent Freight Stabilisation Fee was captured in the Council’s 1978 Act.
His words: “Looking ahead, the Council’s 2025 budget is strategically anchored on the one per cent freight stabilisation fee, with plans to commence its collection upon Presidential assent to the NPERA bill.
“Our focus during this retreat will revolve around four strategic priorities which include; strengthening stakeholder engagement to foster inclusivity and collaboration, promoting transparency and fairness through predictable regulatory policies, enhancing operational efficiency to prepare for a seamless transition to NPERA, and driving sustainability by aligning economic growth with environmental responsibility.”
Akutah stressed that the retreat is a value opportunity for the management to step back to reflect on achievements and plan for greater accomplishments.
Meanwhile, he added that the implementation of the ICTN will set the stage for enhanced revenue generation and operational oversight.
“As the programme outlines, each Directorate has a clearly defined role, emphasising the hands-on approach required to implement NPERA successfully.
“Let us seize this opportunity to shape a future of innovation, excellence, and progress,” he pleaded.