The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has revealed its intentions to collaborate with the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) to establish comprehensive guidelines for safeguarding the rights of consumers of shipping services at Nigerian Ports.
Named the Consumer Protection Regime (CPR), these guidelines will be documented to establish a transparent process for conducting business at the ports, benefiting both consumers and service providers.
During a sensitization program in Lagos on Tuesday, the executive secretary of the NSC emphasized that the implementation of a Consumer Protection Regime would promote harmony, fair trade practices, and efficiency in the port and shipping sectors. The NSC and FCCPC have already signed a Memorandum of Understanding, paving the way for a robust collaboration aimed at protecting the interests of both service providers and consumers of shipping and port services.
The Consumer Protection Regime will not only encourage healthy competition but also facilitate the prosecution of erring service providers and users. Furthermore, it will enable the sharing of information and intelligence, promote consumer education, and raise awareness about consumer rights and responsibilities in the industry.
“We plan to conduct sensitization exercises at various port and inland locations to get necessary inputs from stakeholders on how the industry can operate seamlessly with little or no infringement on the rights of users and providers of shipping services. It will enable us to build trust and confidence before rolling out the scheme,” he said.
He, however, outlined several consumer rights, including the right to be fully informed about the quality, quantity, potency, standards, and charges of services, as well as protection against unfair trade practices. Additionally, consumers have the right to access a variety of services at competitive prices, seek redress against unfair and restrictive trade practices, and receive consumer education and information on service availability.
The executive vice chairman of FCCPC, Babatunde Irukera, emphasized the need for effective collaboration between government agencies and regulatory bodies to improve the port industry for all stakeholders.
During a presentation on ‘Ethics and Integrity in the Port and Shipping Sector,’ Emmanuel Bosah, the director of the program at CBI Nigeria, highlighted that efficient clearance of vessels and goods at ports worldwide is crucial for businesses and societies to function, develop, and prosper. He acknowledged that seaports are susceptible to corruption due to the involvement of multiple stakeholders and interactions with port officials during the clearance processes. This creates opportunities for corruption, leading to increased trade costs, reduced efficiency, and reduced productivity.
To address corruption, Bosah advocated for clear rules and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to promote transparency. He commended the Nigerian Port Process Manual (NPPM), implemented by the Port Standing Task Team, for making positive strides in this area. He also urged shipping companies to introduce transparent SOPs that outline charges, timelines, and procedures without compromising their trade secrets, to reduce corruption.
Stakeholders in the industry called for a policy to regulate pricing, eliminate arbitrary charges, promote integrity, encourage honest declarations, and establish timely feedback mechanisms to ensure a more efficient and transparent port sector.
