The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has described Barrister Pius Atukah as God-sent to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
Agbese who spoke during a recent interview noted that Akutah is restoring sanity to the country’s port access roads with a new regime of transparency and accountability.
He added that the issues of corruption along the ports’ corridor, challenges of cargo clearance processes, and many others are already being given attention by the NSC Executive Secretary.
“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council is the Port Economic Regulator and a trade facilitation agency, with the responsibility to promote fair trade practices in the industry amongst the providers and consumers of shipping and port services,” Agbese stated.
“Among many things, its mandate is to establish an enabling environment for all stakeholders by instituting an efficient and effective economic regulatory system in the transport sector. Barr Pius Akutah’s appointment didn’t come as a surprise.
“A man of impeccable character and high moral standards, Akutah is armed with a wealth of experience and intellect to not only buck the trend but change the status quo. He is tailormade for the job.
“I like to describe him as God-sent to the NSC to clean the mess in the port transport system. He has begun on a strong footing to bolster revenues and investments as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s Blue Economy
“Akutah has already shown the commitment to work with the stakeholders and relevant agencies to achieve his mandate. He recently signed a performance bond with the Minister, Adegboyega Oyetola.
“The ES is focused on reaching an agreement on price increment affecting the growth of the industry. He has emphasized collaboration with terminal operators and shipping companies to monitor and regulate terminal operations.
“To fulfill its role as the economic port regulator, Akutah has put structures and strategic interventions, especially in cargo clearance processes and reinforcing the NSC’s authority in determining costs of barging and evacuation of containerized cargoes, have reshaped the industry’s landscape.
“Akutah has also shown commitment to reducing operational costs therefore safeguarding the interests of shippers. We must support him to achieve even more”.
