Bankers Committee Flags off Advocacy for Passage of Nigerian Ports and Harbour Bill

As part of renewed focus on supporting SMEs within the manufacturing and trade industry, as well as attracting foreign investors into a viable investment environment, the Federal Government is engaging private sector stakeholders to collaboratively revise key initiatives within the Economic Plan. As an ardent catalyst and enabler of the critical shifts in economic and national development, the Economic Development Sustainability and Gender Committee believes a major reform and passage of the Nigerian Ports and Harbour Bill will deliver significant support needed by the Manufacturing and Trade Sectors.

To this end the committee held a half day conference in support of the Federal Government’s effort. The August 30th event, at the Renaissance Ikeja, detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) to support advocacy efforts to encourage passage of the Nigerian Ports and Harbour Bill. The Bankers’ Committee Economic Development Sustainability and Gender Committee conference focused on headwinds in policies and regulations that affect effective Port operations and business performance. Deliberations explored solutions to key issues affecting manufacturing and trade sectors in Nigeria from the Banks’ point of view. The objective for the advocacy Terms of Reference was addressed by the CEO Standard Chartered Bank, Nigeria and Head Economic Development Sustainability and Gender Committee, Mrs. Bola Adesola. She stressed on the need to ensure deliberations identify how the banking sector, in collaboration with Government ministries, agencies and the private sector, can shape regulatory and policy direction and improve the environment for business.

Accenture Program Lead, Kehinde Kamson delivered a presentation highlighting the current challenges occasioned with non-passage of the bill. Ms. Kamson also stated the possible benefits that could result from a review and the passage of the Nigerian Ports and Harbour bill.

The event ended with Mr. Lanre Showunmi, Acting General Manager, representing Diamond Bank, detailing recommendations, he also enjoined the participants to work collaboratively together with the relevant stakeholders to ensure passage of the bill.