NSC Evolves New Strategy To Assist Shippers

As part of efforts to assist shippers (importers and exporters) in their business, the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has established a shippers complaints unit to handle all international trade-related enquiries and problems from importers and exporters.

The unit, according to a source at the Public Relations Department, zonal headquarters of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) in Port Harcourt would ensure that shippers are promptly attended to for possible assistance whenever they are in need to solve problems arising from contract and agreement on trade.

According to the source the establishment of the unit was aimed at introducing a vibrant and professional customers service desk in line with modern corporate structure and best practice in trade facilitation, and is also in accordance with the council’s statutory provisions that empowers it to provide a forum for the protection of the interest of shippers on matters affecting the shipment of their goods to and from Nigeria.

The unit which is being manned by well groomed officers on shipping-related matters would, among other things, receive and acknowledge receipt of shippers complaints, review and evaluate the complaints received, identify and forward the complaint to appropriate department or division to ensure that a conclusive action is taken.

This is the first time the council is dedicating a unit to carry out this responsibility of monitoring and handling complaints from shipper; and with the new unit, the council would be able to fast track and unify the existing procedure of the various departments and units in addressing much numerous complaints from aggrieved shippers.

Corlins Walter