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The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has renewed its drive to improve efficiency at the nation’s seaports, unveiling sustained regulatory reforms aimed at reducing operational bottlenecks, lowering costs, and strengthening Nigeria’s position in global trade.
The Executive Secretary of NSC, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, made this known during the 25th Anniversary and Award Conferment Ceremony of Maritime Watch Newspaper in Ikeja, Lagos, where stakeholders examined strategies for improving port performance. The event featured the theme: “Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Costs in Nigerian Ports Through Shippers’ Council’s Regulatory Framework.”
Represented by the Deputy Director of the Council’s Standard Services Division, Ms. Adaora Nwonu, Dr. Akutah said the NSC has evolved significantly from its original mandate of protecting shippers’ interests to serving as Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator, with a stronger focus on creating a more transparent and efficient port environment.
He described the maritime sector as a key pillar of Nigeria’s economic growth, noting that efficient port operations remain critical to reducing logistics expenses, improving export competitiveness, and attracting investment into the economy.
According to him, persistent inefficiencies in port operations often lead to delays, higher transaction costs, and diminished investor confidence, underscoring the need for sustained reforms, policy coordination, and stronger collaboration among industry stakeholders.
Dr. Akutah further noted that the Federal Government’s appointment of the Council as Port Economic Regulator in 2015 has enabled the agency to drive fairness, transparency, and order in the maritime sector through targeted interventions and stakeholder engagement.
He highlighted several initiatives introduced by the Council to facilitate trade and improve port efficiency, including the development of Inland Dry Ports, Vehicle Transit Areas, Border Information Centres, digitalisation of port procedures, the National Single Window project, and implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The NSC boss also stressed the importance of digital integration, real-time data exchange, and strict compliance among port operators and stakeholders to ensure seamless cargo movement and improved service delivery across the maritime value chain.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Ms. Nwonu underscored the critical role of the media in amplifying the Council’s reforms and stakeholder engagement efforts.
“With the media’s wide reach, we need their support in disseminating our activities, reforms, and innovations to the public. This will keep stakeholders informed and provide valuable feedback that can help shape policies and decision-making for collective progress,” she said.
