*Stakeholders Unanimously Endorse Repeal and Re-Enactment of Shippers’ Council Bill

In a resounding show of support, stakeholders in the maritime industry have overwhelmingly accepted the proposed repeal and re-enactment of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and Economic Regulatory Bill during a public hearing held at the National Assembly in Abuja.

The public hearing, which was attended by representatives from various sectors of the industry, including shipping companies, freight forwarders, and cargo owners, saw a unanimous endorsement of the proposed legislation.

The new bill, which seeks to repeal the existing Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act and enact a new Shippers’ Council and Economic Regulatory Act, aims to strengthen the regulatory framework for the maritime industry and promote economic growth.

Recall that following the Federal Government’s announcement of the NSC as a Port economic regulator, the agency has struggled to enforce sanctions on ports and shipping stakeholders in the nation’s maritime sector due to the absence of an enabling law backing up their status as a Port Economic Regulator.

Stakeholders, on Monday, praised the proposed legislation for its provisions, which include the establishment of a more effective and efficient regulatory framework, the promotion of competition and innovation, and the protection of the rights of shippers and other stakeholders.

During the public hearing organised by the Committee on Shipping Services and Related Matters, the Executive Secretary/ CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Pius Ukeyima Akutah, described the legislation as timely at this stage of our nation’s growth and development.

He said the need for a regulatory regime to ensure effective and efficient economic regulation for the control of tariffs, rates and charges to prevent arbitrariness is necessary.

Among many others, Akutah said the Bill will enhance the ease of doing business, minimize the high cost of doing business at the ports, ensure seamless movement of cargo, promote competition and enhance the quality of service.

“The Bill essentially embellishes the fundamentals of Economic Regulation, making all actors play by the rules,” he added.

“The Nigerian Government is evolving a Regulatory Agenda across all sectors, with economic contribution as the goal. The shipping industry should not be an exception.

“There is, therefore, no better time than now to enact this, Bill. I therefore most respectfully, urge esteemed stakeholders to make meaningful contributions toward its immediate passage and enactment.”

He further expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders for their support and assured them that the council would continue to work towards ensuring a conducive business environment for all players in the industry.

Chief Adebayo Sarumi, a former CEO of the Shippers Council said a regulatory body is late by no less than 20 years.

According to him, this will bring about a level playing field, and regulatory services and ensure that the consumers do not suffer.

Malam Hassan Bello, a former CEO of the Shippers Council said the Bill will be a crowning glory of the Federal Government’s efforts in the maritime sector.

“This proposed agency will fill the regulatory vacuum that has bedevilled the sector, the reason the ports are not making contributions. It will end the monopoly.

“The bill is fundamental and essential and will correct anomalies and guarantee efficiency and use of tech in ports operation.“

Meanwhile, Boma Alabi, SAN, representing the Shipping Lines Association of Nigeria said the body welcomes any act that will improve efficiency, lower costs and reduce bottlenecks.

She further said the Nigerian ports cost the nation twice as much as our neighbours.

Ahmed Rabiu, a concerned stakeholder said the Bill has been overdue since the time ports were concessioned, calling for its speedy consideration.

Other stakeholders like the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), and the Nigeria Economic Summit Group backed the development.

In separate remarks, they said the absence of a regulatory agency stifled economic activities.

They further said the passage of the Bill will have a positive impact on the maritime industry, leading to increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved services for shippers and other stakeholders.

Evangelist Dr. Lekan Remilekun Amos Celebrates his birthday In Style.

Evangelist Dr. Lekan Remilekun Amos L.R.A has been in the music industry for decades and he has been doing wonderfully well among notable gospel singers in Nigeria and beyond, operating with the Holy Spirit with his euphonious voice!.

Delivery is crucial to good performance, having hits limelight for several years L.R.A as Dr Remilekun fondly called by his teeming fans has turned every year to a year of blessings and breakthrough for his fans across the globe with his melodious and evergreen songs.

No wonder, despite the numbers of singers who have made it big in the highly competitive industry, L.R.A has a very successful careers in the music industry, the anointed gospel music minister , an astute teacher of the words of God and a lover of creativity is a strong force to recon with in the music world.

The ilaje born singer was able to capture the heart of many people from onset with his soul lift albums, starting from his debut, ‘Palawan Olu Omo,’ Olorun Esan, The light, Ifarada, Afowafa, Igi Aruwe, to the Aye soro that brought him to limelight , To Oluwa de.

L.R.A has used his gifted talent to change the life of many souls, even those who are not his fans with the lyrics inscribed in one of his tracks ‘Oluwa de’ in his Album ‘Ipele Aanu’ (Levels Of Mercy).

However, Evangelist Dr. Lekan Remilekun Amos, Exactly 1:00 am (Nigerian time) posted on his Official Facebook page thanking the Most high God For keeping him alive till today as he Celebrates his Birthday. He said “THE START OF A NEW BEGINNING!
Behold I establish my covenant with you & your seeds after you ( Gen 9:9)
GLORIFY GOD WITH ME ,IT’S. MY BIRTHDAY.”

Since the post published, People across the world have been Congratulating him for the celebration of his birthday in 2024.

The most interesting part it was that L.R.A has scheduled a Special Birthday Online Revival/ Praise Program Tagged “The start Of New Beginning that would equally featured other Anointed Gospel Artist like Lady Evang. Aduke Gold, Prince Olu Wale Aniyikaye, Elder Niyi Fadipe amongst others, as the multiple awards winning gospel singer is set to returns all the glory back to who it Belongs to (God) the online thanksgiving show would hold 5pm (Nigerian time) via his YouTube and Official Facebook page.

Happy birthday to the most accommodating, creative, highly resourceful singer of God, a very big birthday to a man who has brought many innovatives to the gospel singer, a toast to an enigmatic and intellectual charismatic leader.

REWARD FOR EXCELLENCE: BURATAI AS SHINING LIGHT OF NORTHEAST

Sahara Weekly Reports That The Concerned Citizens of Northeast hosted their Awards and Dinner event, where distinguished individuals were recognized for their outstanding contributions to the region. Among the awardees were notable figures such as Prof Babagana Umara Zulum, Sheikh Goni Umar Goni Usman, and Ummu Kalthum Muhammad. However, it was Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai CFR who stole the spotlight as the shining light of the Northeast.

During the event, Maj Gen ID Penap praised Buratai, stating that he deserves every blessing that comes his way. He commended Buratai for his visionary leadership and described him as a proud son of the Northeast. Guest speaker Dr Hassan Zanna Boguma also lauded Buratai for his transformative military leadership, which led to the defeat of Boko Haram in the region.

In his acceptance speech, Gen Buratai expressed his gratitude for the award. He emphasized the importance of supporting and empowering the youth, noting that they are often left behind in terms of employment and opportunities. Buratai called for innovative programs from both the government and private sectors to unlock the potential of the younger generation.

The former Chief of Army Staff highlighted the need for unity and development in the Northeast, with a focus on combating issues of ethnicity, religion, and sectionalism. The formation of the Concerned Citizens of the Northeast organization aims to provide a platform for North Easterners to come together and build a better future for the region.

Overall, Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai’s recognition as the shining light of the Northeast serves as a reminder of the importance of strong leadership and dedication to the development of the region. His commitment to empowering the youth and driving positive change sets a powerful example for others to follow.