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Efforts to accelerate cargo clearance and eliminate operational bottlenecks at Nigeria’s seaports gained momentum as the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Port Authority Police (Western Command) agreed to strengthen collaboration through intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement.
The commitment was made during a courtesy visit by the Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, to the NSC headquarters.
Speaking during the meeting, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, stressed that both institutions operate within the same port ecosystem, making close synergy critical to efficiency and national economic growth.
He called for deeper intelligence exchange and stronger stakeholder engagement to reduce cargo dwell time and prevent avoidable disruptions in cargo movement.
Dr. Akutah also expressed concern over incidents where containers already cleared through due process were later subjected to arrest, noting that improved coordination between agencies would prevent delays and boost port user confidence.
He emphasised that sustained collaboration would enhance regulatory enforcement, promote seamless cargo flow, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness as a maritime hub. He further urged both agencies to review police alert mechanisms and intensify joint efforts to curb insecurity within port corridors.
Earlier, CP Agbaminoja described the Shippers’ Council as a critical institution in Nigeria’s maritime governance framework and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to safeguarding port users and infrastructure.
She assured the Council of the Police Command’s readiness to deepen cooperation in addressing emerging security threats and operational challenges, while supporting the Council’s statutory responsibilities, including dispute resolution, lawful enforcement, and monitoring of cargo movement.
Both organisations agreed that closer operational alignment would improve efficiency, enhance security, and position Nigerian ports for greater trade competitiveness.
