A body of civil society groups under the aegis of the Coalition of Civil Society Groups in Nigeria for Promotion of Accountability and Transparency in Governance said the proposed Nigeria Shippers Council regulatory agency bill will help in fixing the country’s economic issues.

Newsmen recalls that the Bill for an Act to repeal the Nigeria Shippers’ Council Act and enact the Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill and Related Matter, recently passed a second reading on the floor of the House of Representatives.
The House Committee on Shipping Services and Related Matters, on May 27, 2024, also held a one-day hearing to gather public feedback and input on repealing the act.

If passed into law, the proposed Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill will empower the Nigerian Shippers Council to regulate the shipping industry effectively.
It is also aimed at protecting the interests of shippers and promoting economic growth in the country.

At a press conference in Abuja on Monday, Patriot Nwogu Ndubisi, who spoke on behalf of the groups, commended the committee for the public hearing, saying it enabled stakeholders to make input on the bill.

According to the group, the bill will help to tackle the economic crisis rocking the country owing to the worsening inflation.
“We want to specifically commend the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for the speedy consideration of the Bill.
“We, therefore, plead with Senate President Godswill Akpabio that Nigerians are eager to see the Senate replicate the pace the House has adopted in treating the Bill.

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

They further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a speedy assent when the Bill is transmitted to him.