The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Pius Ukeyima Akutah

  • Fed Govt to begin implementation of cargo tracking note at seaports by Q2 2025

    Fed Govt to begin implementation of cargo tracking note at seaports by Q2 2025

    The federal government will begin the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) across the nation’s ports by the second quarter of this year, it was learnt.

    The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Pius Ukeyima Akutah revealed this in Ibadan, yesterday.

    Akutah spoke during the Five Year Strategic Management Retreat held with the theme: The Future-Transition from Nigerian Shippers Council to Nigeria Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) in Ibadan, Oyo State

    The NSC scribe said that the Council’s 2025 budget is strategically anchored on the 1 per cent freight stabilisation fee, with plans to commence its collection upon Presidential assent to the NPERA Bill.

    Read Also: French investors eye Ogun’s transport sector, agro-cargo airport

    According to him, “With profound honour, I welcome you to this transformative management retreat. Today, we embark on a pivotal journey to define the future of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) as it transitions into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA).

    “This retreat marks a critical step in shaping a comprehensive 5-year strategic plan for 2025–2029, designed to advance the maritime sector through enhanced efficiency, adaptability, and innovation.

    The Nigerian Shippers’ Council, he said, has a proud legacy of resilience and impact—protecting shippers’ interests, fostering fair trade practices, and driving competitiveness within our ports.

    “Over the past year, the Council has recorded remarkable achievements, including: Signing the Minimum Standards of Conditions of Service for Workers in the Shipping Industry; Launching the Operational Manual for Inland Dry Ports & Hosting the 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges; Rolling out the Online Registration Portal for regulated port service providers and users; Developing the E-Regulatory Process Portal (ERPP) and the Confirmation of Reasonableness of Demurrage, Freight Rate, and Charter Party Fees (CRD) Portal; Recovering billions of naira through robust complaints handling mechanisms; and Introducing a Leadership Development Program to strengthen institutional capacity through succession planning.

    “These accomplishments underscore our unwavering commitment to delivering value to stakeholders and ensuring a seamless transition to NPERA.

    “Notably, under the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) is scheduled for implementation in the second quarter of this year, setting the stage for enhanced revenue generation and operational oversight.”

    Looking ahead, the Council’s 2025 budget, he said, ” is strategically anchored on the 1% freight stabilization fee, with plans to commence its collection upon Presidential assent to the NPERA Bill.

    “Our focus during this retreat will revolve around four strategic priorities: Strengthening stakeholder engagement to foster inclusivity and collaboration; Promoting transparency and fairness through predictable regulatory policies; Enhancing operational efficiency to prepare for a seamless transition to NPERA; and driving sustainability by aligning economic growth with environmental responsibility.

    This retreat, according to him, “is not merely a planning session but a collaborative platform for crafting actionable solutions and building a solid framework for regulatory excellence. By uniting our expertise, creativity, and dedication, we can lay the foundation for a more competitive, inclusive, and sustainable maritime sector.

    “As the programme outlines, each Directorate has a clearly defined role, emphasising the hands-on approach required to implement NPERA successfully. Let us seize this opportunity to shape a future of innovation, excellence, and progress,” Akutah said

  • ‘New laws to strengthen marital operations underway’

    ‘New laws to strengthen marital operations underway’

    The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shipper’s Council ( NSC), Pius Ukeyima Akutah, has said that the Port Economic Regulations bill when passed into law will promote efficiency and streamline processes in the nation’s maritime sector.

    Akutah, a lawyer, stressed the importance of strong regulation in the sector, saying that no country can joke with its marital potentials and borders.

    He said the council would pursue operational efficiency with vigour, rekindle hope and defend the interest of stakeholders.

    Akuta spoke at a media chat commemorating his first year in office in Lagos.

    Stakeholders applauded his humility, commitment, fidelity to operational effectiveness and efficiency, stoppage of sabotage, and regular engagement with with them.

    Dissecting the economy, he pointed out that the shipping sector of the economy is the most crucial, adding that the Council has saved the country from monumental loss up to N40 billion.

    He noted that economic growth is the major priority of the Tinubu administration, stressing that the mariral council cannot afford to fail in the discharge of its mandate.

    Akutah said the council will have a strong legal backing to execute its regulatory activities in a bid to enhance the marine and blue economy

    He said relevant government agencies and stakeholders in the maritime industry are strongly supporting the Council’s bill.

    Akutah also spoke on the role that the NSC has played through its Alternative Dispute Resolution ration. abo(ADR) for resolving conflicts for users and providers of shipping and port services.

    The Executive Secretary  said the Council as  the lead agency in the implementation of Nigerian Port Process Manual( NPPM) would provide seamless operations at the ports.

    Reiterating his commitment to shipping integrity, he said:”We will pay attention to what comes into the country through the shipment.”

    He added:”We are emphasising collaboration. All our target is to ensure that the sector is improved and to make sure that more activities occur at Apapa and Onne.”

    Read Also: FUDMA awards Bichi Honorary Doctorate Degree in Engineering

    Akutah said the council would continue to tap from the advice and experience of stakeholders because he is not an all-knowing Executive Secretary.

    He said the Council would sustain the programme of training and retraining for staff and shippers.

    Akutah said marital infrastructure would be protected under a wider framework of security architecture for ports.

    He said sanity was being restored to ports to prevent theft and incidence of missing cargoes.

  • New laws to strengthen marital operations underway, says Akutah

    New laws to strengthen marital operations underway, says Akutah

    The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shipper’s Council ( NSC), Pius Ukeyima Akutah has said that the Port Economic Regulations bill when passed into law will promote efficiency and streamline processes in the nation’s maritime sector.

    Akutah, a lawyer, stressed the importance of strong regulation in the sector, saying that no country can joke with its marital potentials and borders.
    He said the Council would pursue operational efficiency with vigour, rekindle hope and defend the interest of stakeholders.

    Akuta spoke at a media chat commemorating his first year in office in Lagos.

    Stakeholders applauded his humility, commitment, fidelity to operational effectiveness and efficiency, stoppage of sabotage, and regular engagement with with them.

    Dissecting the economy, he pointed out that the shipping sector of the economy is the most crucial, adding that the Council has saved the country from monumental loss up to N40 billion.

    He noted that economic growth is the major priority of the Tinubu administration, stressing that the mariral council cannot afford to fail in the discharge of its mandate.

    Akutah said the Council will have a strong legal backing to execute its regulatory activities in a bid to enhance the marine and blue economy.

    He said relevant government agencies and stakeholders in the maritime industry are strongly supporting the Council’s bill.

    Read Also: Court sentences ‘Professor’ to six months for impersonating daughter

    Akutah also spoke on the role that the NSC has playedthrough its Alternative Dispute Resolution ration. abo(ADR) for resolving conflicts for users and providers of shipping and port services.

    The Executive Secretary said the Council as the lead agency in the implementation of Nigerian Port Process Manual( NPPM) would provide seamless operations at the ports.

    Reiterating his commitment to shipping integrity, he said:”We will pay attention to what comes into the country through the shipment.”

    He added: “We are emphasising collaboration. All our target is to ensure that the sector is improved and to make sure that more activities occur at Apapa and Onne.”

    Akutah said the council would continue to tap from the advice and experience of stakeholders because he is not an all-knowing Executive Secretary.

    He said the Council would sustain the programme of training and retraining for staff and shippers.

    Akutah said marital infrastructure would be protected under a wider framework of security architecture for ports.

    He said sanity was being restored to ports to prevent theft and incidence of missing cargoes.