By Godfrey Bivbere

The intervention of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has saved shippers in the country about N200 million between 2011 and 2012, the Acting Executive Secretary, NSC, Hassan Bello, has said.

The Council boss also said that Nigeria would benefit more if its goods were shipped on Cost, Insurance and Freight (CIF) basis rather than on Free on Board basis (FOB).

Bello said that between 2011 and 2012, 200 complaints were treated with 80 percent of them resolved and N200 million refunds made to shippers on demurrage and container deposit returns.

He added that the Council would further strengthen the unit to address complaints of shippers promptly.

Bello, who spoke in Abuja, stated that suggestion on shipment based on CIF was made to the Federal Government when it constituted a port reform committee.

The Shippers’ Council boss according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said that the idea of shipping goods on FOB basis meant that the buyer would nominate the ship to carry the cargo to destination, stressing that such practice was detrimental to the Nigerian economy.

Bello said, “Eighty percent of oil–producing countries carry their wet cargo on CIF basis. If it is by CIF, it means Nigerians will provide the ships that will carry the cargo.”

The NSC boss said that carriage of goods on CIF basis also meant a lot of growth for financial and insurance industries.

He stated that with CIF in place, Nigerian shippers would have the opportunity to own modern ships.

“Indigenous shipping companies have been swimming against the tide because of competition. There are seasoned captains capable of carrying Nigeria’s crude. Government will have to bring to bear the political will and sagacity to empower indigenous Nigerians to own ships,” Bello added.

Bello also said the council has established the Shippers’ Complaints Unit, which has been extremely effective in addressing complaints within 24 hours.

He noted that the Federal Government was conscious of the role of the maritime sector in the economy, adding that operators would see tremendous reforms in the maritime sector which would impact on the economy positively.