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The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has renewed its call for stronger collaboration among government agencies operating at the nation’s seaports, saying improved coordination is critical to eliminating cargo clearance delays, reducing cargo losses, and enhancing the overall efficiency of Nigeria’s port system.
Addressing participants on the legal and financial implications of cargo delays, Dr. Akutah noted that weak inter-agency coordination has continued to undermine port operations, resulting in avoidable delays, cargo deterioration, rising logistics costs, and increased litigation.
He stressed that greater synergy among regulatory agencies would significantly improve operational efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness as a maritime and trade hub.
Speaking on ongoing efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework for the port sector, Dr. Akutah disclosed that the proposed Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill, which designates the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the statutory Port Economic Regulator, is expected to address many of the operational and commercial challenges affecting cargo clearance and port services.
According to him, the proposed legislation will provide a stronger legal foundation for economic regulation, improve accountability, promote efficiency, and create a more predictable and investor-friendly business environment.
The NSC boss also underscored the strategic importance of the International Maritime Seminar for Judges, describing it as a vital platform for enhancing judicial capacity in maritime law and improving the resolution of maritime disputes.
“The importance of maritime cases cannot be overemphasised. This seminar provides an important opportunity for judges handling maritime matters to deepen their knowledge while enabling stakeholders to identify areas requiring improvement for the growth of the sector,” he said.
Dr. Akutah noted that timely resolution of maritime disputes remains critical to attracting investment, warning that prolonged litigation weakens investor confidence and slows sectoral growth.
“No investor will bring capital into a country where there is no confidence in the judicial system. Maritime disputes are often complex, time-consuming and expensive to resolve. One of the key objectives of this seminar is to promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms that will ensure quicker settlement of maritime disputes and inspire investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector,” he stated.
Earlier, legal and maritime experts at the seminar advocated a stronger legal framework to safeguard terminal operators under Nigeria’s port concession regime while ensuring a fair balance between the interests of investors, service providers and port users.
The 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), continues to serve as a key platform for examining emerging maritime legal issues, strengthening maritime jurisprudence, and advancing reforms aimed at improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria’s port sector.
