Tag: Nigerian Shippers’ Council

The Federal Government has inaugurated a new Governing Board for the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), in a move aimed at tightening oversight of port pricing, charges and service delivery to reduce the cost of doing business at the nation’s seaports.

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, inaugurated the board yesterday in Abuja, charging members to drive accountability and regulatory reforms critical to improving port efficiency and the country’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.

Speaking at the inauguration, Oyetola said the constitution of the board, approved by President Bola Tinubu, aligns with the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects a renewed focus on governance and institutional effectiveness within the marine and blue economy.

He described the Shippers’ Council as central to ongoing efforts to rein in arbitrary charges and improve transparency across port operations, noting that effective economic regulation remains key to trade facilitation and logistics cost reduction.

“As the designated Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council occupies a critical position in promoting efficiency, fairness and transparency in port pricing, charges and service delivery,” Oyetola said.

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The minister said persistent inefficiencies and high port charges undermine Nigeria’s trade competitiveness and raise logistics costs for manufacturers, exporters and importers, stressing that the new board must ensure regulatory decisions translate into measurable outcomes.

Oyetola tasked the board with providing strategic direction and policy guidance, while exercising vigilant oversight in line with statutory provisions. He urged members to work closely with the council’s management and ensure that board deliberations deliver concrete gains in trade facilitation and sector competitiveness.

“Every meeting and decision must deliver measurable outcomes in cost reduction, improved port performance and enhanced competitiveness,” he added.

The board is chaired by the former governor of Katsina State, Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema.

Other members include the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Shippers’ Council, Dr Pius Akutah; Dr Emi Membere-Otaji, representing the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture

(NACCIMA); Mr John Aluya, representing the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; Rt Hon Chiji Collins; Mrs Olufunmilayo Olaseinde; Dr Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti; Alhaji Mele Kofo Gladem; Mrs Hafsatu Mohammed, representing the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL); Hon Maharazu Adamu Dayi; and Mrs Uzoamaka Okereke, representing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Responding on behalf of the board, Shema thanked President Tinubu for the appointment and pledged that members would discharge their responsibilities with professionalism and integrity.

“We are committed to providing effective oversight, strengthening regulatory efficiency and supporting initiatives that will enhance port performance and trade facilitation,” Shema said.

He added that the board would work closely with the ministry and management of the council to deliver tangible outcomes for shippers and the wider economy.

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council serves as the country’s port economic regulator, with responsibility for promoting efficiency, transparency and fairness in port operations, while protecting shippers’ interests and improving the overall maritime trade environment.

Nigerian Shippers’ Council has intensified efforts to tackle the country’s prolonged cargo clearance delays—currently averaging 21 days, and considered one of the longest globally, by strengthening collaboration with the Maritime Police Command through a new capacity-building programme.

The workshop with the theme “Facilitating Port Efficiency: The Strategic Role of the Maritime Police”, held yesterday, in Lagos.

Declaring the training open on behalf of the Council’s Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Pius Akutah, the Director, Regulatory Services Department, Margaret Ogbonnah, said the event marks “a high-point” in the port regulator’s long-standing partnership with the Nigeria Police, especially as the Federal Government pushes for more efficient port operations under the blue economy reform agenda.

In his remarks, the ES noted that the country continues to lag behind regional and global peers in cargo clearance speed.

“While it takes only 6 hours to clear a containerised cargo in Singapore and seven days in Lomé, it takes an average of 21 days or more in Nigerian ports. This has contributed to Nigeria’s low global perception index on Ease of Doing Business,” he said.

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He explained that despite several government interventions, reductions in dwell time have been hindered by a combination of operational gaps and human-factor-related delays.

Akutah said the Council has received reports from port stakeholders about various forms of interference affecting cargo movement, including detention orders placed on cargo already cleared through due process, operational disruptions linked to multi-layered enforcement activities, and accidents involving personnel of shipping companies and terminals

He emphasised that such actions—whether arising from misunderstandings or procedural oversights, tend to extend dwell time and increase demurrage and storage charges for businesses.

“Investigations often showed that some actions were carried out without the knowledge of the appropriate authorities within the Maritime Police Command,” he said.

This, he added, prompted both institutions to engage the Inspector General of Police in 2018, resulting in a directive that only letters signed by the AIG or duly designated officers should be acted upon, thereby streamlining enforcement communication at the ports.

“Together, we have achieved quite a lot, but we cannot rest on past achievements. Our focus must be firmly on attaining international best practices,” Akutah said.

Represented by the Assistant Commissioner of Police Administration, Ports Authority Police, Western Command, ACP Olufikayo Fawole, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (Maritime Command), AIG Chinedu Oko, commended the NSC for sustaining a collaborative platform that supports law enforcement efficiency within the maritime environment.

“Modern port security goes far beyond traditional policing. The efficiency of our ports depends significantly on how effectively law enforcement interfaces with operators, regulators, freight forwarders, shipping lines, and the wider supply chain,” he said.

He stressed that the Maritime Police play a critical role in securing maritime assets, deterring cargo-related crimes, preventing pilferage, and ensuring that legitimate trade flows without avoidable friction.

“Your professionalism and integrity directly influence the confidence of shippers, investors, and the international maritime community,” he said.

Delivering the technical paper on behalf of the AIG, DCP Chukwuemeka Obasi said the efficiency of the country’s ports is inseparable from the security framework supporting them.

He outlined three key reform pillars guiding police operations toward improved port efficiency. The first focused on operational streamlining by harmonising enforcement roles with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigeria Customs Service, NIMASA and other agencies to eliminate duplication.

The second emphasised technology integration, particularly the deployment of digital surveillance systems, cargo-monitoring platforms and intelligence tools under initiatives such as the Deep Blue Project. The third pillar centred on strengthening stakeholder collaboration by enhancing joint task forces and port security committees to ensure more coordinated maritime security responses.

However, he noted persistent challenges including overlapping mandates among agencies, limited patrol and surveillance logistics, legal bottlenecks in prosecuting maritime offences, and ethical concerns that can undermine efficiency.

To address these, he recommended joint security frameworks, expanded specialised training, smart surveillance, legal reforms, and stronger accountability systems, insisting that policing must support, not obstruct, trade facilitation.

In closing, the NSC boss reaffirmed that port efficiency cannot be achieved by one institution alone.

“Our mandate as Port Economic Regulator is to ensure efficiency, but it requires synergy with the Maritime Police and all stakeholders. This training is part of our commitment to educating officers and promoting global standards in port operations,” he said.

He commended officers of the Council and the Maritime Police Command for their role in organising the programme and urged participants to apply lessons learned to their daily operational decisions.

With Nigeria still grappling with a 21-day average cargo dwell time, the NSC says eliminating procedural bottlenecks, improving security coordination, and strengthening professionalism within port corridors remain central to restoring competitiveness. The Council and the Maritime Police believe that enhanced capacity, technology-driven enforcement and regulatory collaboration will be key to improving trade facilitation and supporting the country’s blue economy ambitions.

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has launched a new results-oriented strategic framework focused on accountability, digital integration, and stakeholder responsiveness.

The Council’s Executive Secretary/CEO, Dr Pius Akutah, while unveiling the 2025–2029 plan at the Council’s Management System Retreat in Lagos yesterday, said the reforms reflect the Council’s obligation to match policy with action and ensure that infrastructure, efficiency, and regulatory outcomes drive sectoral growth.

Addressing the theme “Achieving Strategic Intents Through Performance Lens,” Akutah stressed that the NSC must shift from bureaucratic processes to a results-driven institution, warning that all departments and staff must deliver measurable results or face sanctions.

“We are in a new era. The Nigerian Shippers’ Council can no longer afford to operate as a process-heavy, paper-driven bureaucracy. We must now define our success not by our activities, but by our outcomes. Not by intentions, but by results,” Akutah declared.

He added that President Bola Tinubu’s creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy represents an “unambiguous statement” on the strategic value of the country’s ocean economy and the need for urgent transformation.

“Under Mr President’s direction, the Federal Government has made an unambiguous statement through the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy — entrusted with transforming Nigeria’s vast ocean economy into a catalyst for diversification, growth, and sustainability,” Akutah said.

He also commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for his visionary leadership, affirming that his “steady guidance and tireless commitment have galvanised key institutions within the sector, including our own Council, to embrace innovation, reform, and measurable impact.”

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According to Akutah, as part of efforts to institutionalise measurable outcomes, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan places performance at the core of its operations. He directed that all departments, especially Legal Services, Strategic Planning and Research, Regulatory Services, Consumer Affairs, Inland Transport Services, and the Zonal Coordinators, must align their workplans with the Federal Government’s Marine and Blue Economy policy, with quarterly reports submitted to his office and transmitted to the supervising Ministry for review.

Akutah expressed dissatisfaction with current cargo dwell times and vessel turnaround statistics at the ports, describing them as “unacceptable.” He directed the Regulatory Services and ICT units to collaborate with terminal operators and the Nigeria Customs Service to develop a real-time “performance dashboard” to track vessel and cargo processing metrics — a tool he said would now form part of the Council’s monthly performance review.

He said as part of a digital transformation, the NSC has set a December 2025 deadline for full deployment and compliance with its Enterprise Content Management (ECM) system.

“By the end of Q3 2025, all internal memos, approvals, correspondences, and record-keeping must migrate to the ECM platform. Any department that fails to comply will face administrative sanctions,” he said.

Akutah also announced the full implementation of the Federal Government’s Performance Management System within the Council, stating: “Each staff member, from the highest to the most junior, must be assessed against a clearly defined set of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).”

He directed the Human Resource Management and Strategic Planning and Research departments to finalise and implement individual performance contracts aligned with departmental scorecards. Henceforth, he indicated annual promotions, postings, and recognitions will be tied directly to staff and departmental performance, marking a cultural shift within the organisation.

On infrastructure, Akutah said the Council would move beyond paperwork to real execution on key projects such as the Jos Inland Dry Port, Kano Dala IDP, Gateway IDP in Ogun, Potiskum Vehicle Transit Area, and various Border Information Centres. The Inland Transport Services Department, PPP Unit, and Zonal Coordinators have been tasked with submitting fortnightly progress reports, which the ES pledged to monitor personally.

He also underlined the importance of stakeholder trust, warning that any regulator that is not responsive to its stakeholders risks losing legitimacy. To address this, Akutah directed the Public Relations Unit, Consumer Affairs Department, and Strategic Planning Department to institutionalise quarterly stakeholder forums, release regulatory newsletters, and create a formal complaint-resolution tracker.

While reaffirming his commitment to human capital development, Akutah said the Council will institutionalise a structured onboarding process for new staff within 30 days of employment and launch a Leadership and Innovation Development Series for senior officers from Q3 2025.

“We must now move from good intentions to disciplined execution. From this retreat, I expect that every Director, Deputy Director, and Unit Head will return with a clear action plan, a revised mindset, and a renewed sense of urgency,” Akutah stressed.

He further assured staff that his office would provide the necessary tools and support but emphasised that compliance, reporting, and visible transformation were now non-negotiable, noting: “As I have often said: performance is not an option. It is the new culture.”

Akutah expressed gratitude to Oyetola for his support and acknowledged Tinubu’s courage in entrusting the maritime industry to “purposeful and reform-minded leadership.”

“To the staff and leadership of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council: the future is ours to shape. Let us match our strategy with action, our duty with discipline, and our mandate with measurable progress. Let this retreat be remembered not just as an event — but as a turning point,” he stated.

Earlier, Director of Strategic Planning and Research, Rotimi Anifowose, described the retreat as a defining moment for institutional discipline and strategic focus. He said the validation of the Council’s draft strategy and signing of the performance bond between the Executive Secretary and Heads of Departments symbolise a new era of accountability.

“This is not merely a ceremonial exercise; it is a bold statement of leadership accountability and collective responsibility. The performance bond enhances institutional discipline, promotes transparency, and underscores a culture of results,” Anifowose stated.

He commended Akutah’s leadership and urged staff to give candid feedback and remain committed to innovation and excellence, stressing, “Together, let us move forward with clarity, unity, and purpose.”

Anifowose added that the retreat marks a pivotal shift in how the NSC will drive port efficiency, trade logistics, and stakeholder confidence across the country’s maritime ecosystem.

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has said it is making strategic moves to reduce cargo costs nationwide through the expansion of rail lines.

Executive Secretary of the Council, Pius Akutah, disclosed this during his maiden visit to Kaduna, where he interacted with staff of the council and members of the Kaduna State Shippers Association (KSSA).

Akutah reiterated that, rail transportation remains the most efficient and cost-effective method for moving goods from the hinterland to seaports.

According to him, “Rail transportation is the best and most effective, and it is the cheapest means of transporting cargoes from the hinterland to the seaport.”

He disclosed that, as part of moves towards expanding the rail lines across Nigeria, the NSC recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Railways Corporation (NRC).

“The benefit of the MOU signed with the Nigerian Railway Corporation is that we will keep pushing for the expansion of rail lines and systems across the country for the benefit of the shippers. This will reduce the price and charges of cargo shipment across the country,” Akutah said.

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Akutah also revealed that discussions were ongoing with the Federal Government to repair and exclusively utilize the old light gauge rail lines for cargo movement.

He acknowledged the high cost of rail infrastructure development but emphasized its importance for the nation’s economic growth.

He also commended the role of shippers associations, describing them as crucial partners in the council’s efforts to safeguard traders’ interests and support trade activities across Nigeria.

Akutah assured that the NSC is committed to strengthening the national body of shippers associations to ensure they continue their commendable work in the sector.

The Council boss also visited the Kaduna Inland Dry Port where he discussed the review of its operations towards addressing its existing challenges, with the aim of ensuring that the Port effectively meets the needs of Nigerian shippers and to resolve any issues hindering its full potential.

Akutah identified several minor but crucial challenges impacting the Port’s efficiency, with a notable concern being the pending legal framework regarding liability and emphasized the need to expedite legislative processes.

The Executive Secretary noted that, there is a directive from the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola to resolve these issues promptly. “We have a duty to ensure that the bill pending before the National Assembly is passed within record time.”

Meanwhile, fielding questions from journalists, the Managing Director of Kaduna Inland Dry Port, Mr. Omotayo Dada, confirmed that the Port is operational and ready to assist shippers

Dada expressed satisfaction with the government’s and regulatory agencies’ support and shared confidence in the Port’s capacity to expand its operations.

“The truth of the matter is that the Port has the capacity to do much more than it is currently doing. With the support from the NSC and ongoing discussions, there is no doubt that many good things are on the horizon,” Dada noted.

He however assured that, the Port is well-equipped for business, boasting facilities such as cold rooms and laboratories. “We have cold rooms, laboratories, and much more. We are a port ready for business,” he emphasised.