The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Barr Hassan Bello, Thursday in Lagos solicited for a deliberate government policy that will provide incentives to aid indigenous operators boost fleet capacity.Bello said such incentives shall be institutionalized to avoid political influence and made reliable for investors’ trust.
Speaking on the occasion of the 20th Anniversary Lecture/ Awards and Patrons’ Investiture ceremony under the theme, “Indigenous Fleet Development, What Options?”, Bello identified the incentives as “comparatively simple but reliable ship registration procedure” which is efficient and full of integrity.
Other incentives he advocated include, “a very strong safety administration system and procedures in support and protection of the registered ships, a systematic approach to the establishment of merchant shipping security and administration that provide confidence in shipping trade and understanding of the international shipping community;
Establish a reliable statistical data for the manning of flag ships and well coordinated training, examination and certification of seafarer in Nigeria; strategic plan and implementation procedures to ensure availability of cargo for interested indigenes; concern for ships’ repair and husbandry; reasonable protectionism for national fleet in operational procedures even when such requirements are not statutory or institutionalized; reliable communications and assistance to fleet; all entities concerning the carriage of national cargo should develop common interest on the sustainable success of the policy.
Bello argued that such enabling environment of national incentives will go a long way in fostering growth and development of the indigenous fleet in Nigeria.
NSC Boss disclosed that the Nigerian Fleet Implementation Committee which he chairs has so far identified zero import duty on vessels, tonnage tax as among the incentives necessary for the growth of indigenous fleet.
He said the Committee is currently discussing the need to abolish temporary importation permit, shipping sector support fund of about -2%per annum/9%, waiver of export tariff for use of Nigerian vessels and right of first refusal for National Carriers in the procurement process for cargo.
Bello also said the Committee is discussing the issuance of work permit only upon verification of unavailability of ratings or officers, change of Nigeria’s crude oil policy, CAC to adopt FIRS’s zero duty for ship finance registration and preferential berthing privileges.
He further disclosed that the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo has so far expressed delight at the prospect of the country trying to find ways to return to international shipping and has directed the NFIC and the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) to review the proposal and work out the details of incentives stating a holistic and credible approach to address the issues and represent for consideration and approval.
With the directive from the VP, Bello said the Committee has held meetings with the NIPC to work out the modalities for the granting and implementation of incentives to achieve the development and sustainability of the national fleet.
He said the Vice President equally charged his Committee to identify partnerships, benefits and the role of the private sector in achieving the Nigerian fleet project.
