By Moses Ebosele, ebosele@hotmail.com
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, on Saturday in Lagos explained in details how the Council safeguarded more than ₦90.60 billion and $1.348 million in economic value for Nigerian shippers and the nation’s economy between November 2023 and the second quarter of 2026 through regulatory interventions, consumer protection and dispute resolution.
Akutah made the remark during a media briefing, where he presented the Council’s scorecard and ongoing efforts to implement reforms.
He said the achievements were driven by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the policy direction of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, with a focus on strengthening the Council’s role as Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator and transforming it into a modern, efficient and globally competitive institution.
According to him, the Council prevented over ₦86.06 billion in unjustified demurrage payments through regulatory oversight, while an additional ₦4.54 billion and $1.348 million was saved through Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and other regulatory interventions.
“The Council has pursued a focused reform agenda to strengthen economic regulation, consumer protection, trade facilitation, digital transformation, institutional renewal and stakeholder engagement,” he said.
Akutah described the passage of the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill by both chambers of the National Assembly as one of the administration’s most significant achievements, noting that the bill is awaiting Presidential Assent.
He explained that once signed into law, the legislation would establish an independent Port Economic Regulator with enhanced powers to regulate tariffs, service standards, competition and commercial conduct, thereby improving transparency and boosting investor confidence across the maritime sector.
The NSC boss also highlighted the approval of the Council’s statutory funding mechanism through the 2025 Appropriation Act—the first since its establishment in 1978—as another major milestone that would strengthen effective port regulation.
On trade facilitation, Akutah said the Council had actively supported the implementation of the National Single Window Project and resolved outstanding issues delaying the rollout of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), both of which are expected to reduce cargo clearance time, lower logistics costs, improve cargo visibility and enhance supply chain security.
In the area of consumer protection, he disclosed that the Council received 558 complaints during the review period, successfully resolved 295 commercial disputes, and harmonised bonded terminal invoice charges by reducing billing categories from 18 to six, eliminating duplicate charges and improving transparency.
He added that the Council directed terminal operators to publicly display approved tariffs and required shipping companies to establish holding bays outside the ports to facilitate the return of empty containers and ease congestion on port access roads.
Akutah further revealed that the Council abolished unauthorised surcharges imposed by some shipping companies and collaborated with key agencies, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Nigeria Customs Service, to strengthen compliance within the port system.
According to him, the Council also facilitated a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria and employers in the shipping industry, leading to the approval of a new ₦200,000 minimum wage for junior workers after nearly two decades of negotiations.
Highlighting infrastructure development, he said operational Inland Dry Ports in Kaduna, Kano and Funtua continue to enhance cargo movement and stimulate economic activities in inland states, while Border Information Centres are being expanded across the country to support cross-border trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He added that work is ongoing on new Border Information Centres in Jigawa, Benue, Borno and Kebbi states, while the Council has commenced engagement with state governments to secure land for permanent facilities following the destruction of the Jibia Centre by a rainstorm.
On institutional reforms, Akutah said the Council has deployed an Enterprise Content Management System to digitise records, automate workflows and improve operational efficiency, while introducing a Leadership and Succession Planning Project to prepare future leaders for critical management positions.
He also announced that preparations had been substantially concluded for the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, scheduled for July 22–24, 2026, in Abuja. The seminar, organised in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute and the Nigerian Maritime Law Association, is expected to bring together judicial officers and maritime experts from Nigeria and across Africa to strengthen maritime jurisprudence and legal certainty.
Looking ahead, Akutah said the Council would continue to deepen port economic regulation, accelerate digital transformation, expand trade facilitation infrastructure and support the transition to the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency once the NPERA Bill receives Presidential assent.
“Our objective is to build a transparent, efficient and globally competitive port economic regulatory system that protects Nigerian shippers, promotes fair competition, improves port efficiency, attracts investment and positions Nigeria as the leading maritime and logistics gateway in West and Central Africa”.
