NPA urges international maritime regulators to settle disputes speedily
Acting Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Bello Koko, has urged new executives of Maritime Arbitrators of Nigeria (MAN) to ensure speedy resolution of disputes in the maritime industry, noting that failure to promptly address perceived grievances will be inimical to the growth and development of the sector.
He noted that this would forestall situations that result in prolonged litigations among players in the industry, adding that the NPA would support the MAN in its efforts to establish an Arbitration Centre in Lagos.
The centre, he assured, will help to facilitate conflicts resolution within Sub- Saharan Africa, saying that disagreements are bound to happen among players in the industry and urged stakeholders to approach the centre rather than resort to litigations, which are often not necessary, time consuming and costly.
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Koko expressed delight over the decades-long synergy between both agencies in the area of support, consultancy and exchange of ideas that has been beneficial to them and the industry at large.
The NPA boss applauded the impacts of maritime arbitrators in resolving legal issues in the past, saying the NPA was poised to give the necessary support to the body to achieve a friendly business environment.
He urged the group to further seek support from the authorities at the ministries of transportation and justice, which he explained, would effectively enhance their operations in enforcement of disputes at the nation’s seaports.
Responding, leader of the team, Bodunrin Adewole, said they visited the NPA to intimate the management of their recent election into office and to solicit for the agency’s support.
He canvassed the establishment of a Complaint Desk at the ports across the country just as it operates at other government agencies stating that they will help fast track dispute resolution, which the MAN authorities are willing to key into.
Adewole restated that MAN had expressed the view that swift resolution of disputes at the ports would automatically enhance efficiency and also assist the NPA to realize its mission statement.
