The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, has said that the Council’s ongoing reforms in the maritime sector are firmly aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s port economy, enhancing trade facilitation and delivering greater value to port users.
Dr. Akutah made this known during an interactive session with maritime editors and reporters in Lagos, where he presented an account of his stewardship and highlighted key milestones recorded by the Council under his leadership.
According to him, the Council’s regulatory interventions and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms have protected over N90.6 billion and US$1.348 million in economic value for Nigerian shippers and the national economy within the last three years.
He disclosed that the Council prevented the payment of N86.06 billion in unjustified demurrage charges while securing an additional N86.06 billion and US$1.348 million in savings through the resolution of commercial disputes involving port users.”Guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the policy direction of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, we have repositioned the Council as a modern, efficient and globally competitive Port Economic Regulator,” Dr. Akutah stated.
The NSC boss described the passage of the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill by both chambers of the National Assembly as one of the Council’s most significant achievements.
He explained that, upon presidential assent, the legislation will establish an independent Port Economic Regulator with statutory powers to regulate tariffs, monitor service standards and promote fair competition across Nigeria’s port industry.
Dr. Akutah also announced that the Council secured statutory funding for the first time since its establishment in 1978, following its inclusion in the 2025 Appropriation Act.
He added that the revenue collection process would be integrated into the National Single Window platform to improve transparency and operational efficiency.
Speaking on trade facilitation, he disclosed that all outstanding issues delaying the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) have been resolved, paving the way for its deployment to improve cargo visibility, strengthen supply chain security and enhance trade efficiency.
Providing further insight into the Council’s regulatory activities, Dr. Akutah revealed that between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the second quarter of 2026, the Council received 558 complaints from port users and successfully resolved 295 commercial disputes relating to demurrage, detention, terminal charges and cargo claims.
He further stated that the Council streamlined bonded terminal invoice charges from 18 categories to 6 abolished unauthorised shipping line surcharges and directed terminal operators to publicly display all approved tariffs as part of measures to ensure transparency and protect port users.
In the area of industrial harmony, the Executive Secretary noted that the Council successfully facilitated the approval of a new N200,000 minimum wage for junior workers in the maritime sector, bringing to a successful conclusion negotiations that had remained unresolved for nearly two decades.
On infrastructure development, he said the Council continues to expand trade facilitation initiatives through the development of Inland Dry Ports in Kaduna, Kano and Funtua, Vehicle Transit Areas and Border Information Centres located in Idiroko, Jigawa, Benue, Borno and Kebbi States.
He disclosed that following the collapse of the Jibia Border Information Centre in June 2026, reconstruction has commenced while discussions are ongoing with state governments for the development of permanent Border Information Centre complexes.
Dr. Akutah also highlighted the Council’s digital transformation efforts, including the deployment of an Enterprise Content Management System and the commencement of a Leadership and Succession Planning Project as part of preparations for the Council’s transition into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency.
The Executive Secretary announced that the Council will host the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges from 22 to 24 July 2026 in Abuja in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute and the Nigerian Maritime Law Association. The seminar is expected to attract Chief Justices and judicial officers from Ghana, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Kenya, among other countries.
With key reforms underway, Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains focused on delivering a more competitive and efficient maritime sector.
