Shipper’s Council tasks Hapag-Lloyd on standards

By Seun Ibiyemi

Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) on Monday urged the new Country Manager of Hapag-Lloyd Nigeria Shipping Ltd., Mr Himmat Ahlawat, to abide by the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) in Nigerian ports.

The Executive Secretary of NSC, Mr Emmanuel Jime, made the call when Ahlawat paid him a courtesy visit in Lagos.

He said that proper guidance by the SOP would be in the interest of Hapag-Lloyd, the council and the Nigerian economy.

“Everyone benefits when due process is in place,” he said.

According to Jime, shipping lines are governed by laws and procedures.

He said that clarity of the legal environment and processes in place would enhance  operations.

“Your visit is an introductory visit, one that introduces you to the shippers council as the new helmsman at Hapag-Lloyd, and we are indeed very happy to meet with you.

“The relationship that shippers council has with the industry,  particularly  shipping lines, is one that is bordering on mandate, being the port’s economic regulator.

“In that capacity, it means that we regulate your activities, particularly those that border on the commercial side of shipping; therefore, it is very healthy and I believe it is important we understand ourselves.

“The beauty about regulation is that there is clarity provided in the environment,” Jime said.

According to him, regulation allows people conducting their businesses to be guided properly by rules of engagement and procedures.

“I have an interest to also come to your offices, see exactly how you are structured as the council emphasises automation in the industry.

“These are the modern ways of doing business.

“Apart from the fact that automation helps one to be efficient and keeps workplace safe, it allows one to do business in way that is cost-effective and profitable,” he said.

The Director of Consumer Affairs Department of NSC, Mr Cajetan Agu, urged the country manager to look into issues such as unclaimed container deposit, invoicing.

Responding, Ahlawat said that Hapag-Lloyd would ensure that the issues raised would be dealt with speedily.

“I am here to introduce myself as I have just taken over, I want to  hear from you your expectations and how we can best serve the community.

“As a German company, we pride ourselves in the rule of law,  you can rest assured of our cooperation,” he said.