Efforts to improve cargo movement and curb operational bottlenecks at Nigeria’s ports received a boost as the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Port Authority Police (Western) Command agreed to strengthen collaboration through intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement strategies.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Council by the Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Dr. Akutah Pius, emphasized that both institutions operate within the same port environment, making synergy critical for operational efficiency and national economic growth.
Dr. Akutah called for improved intelligence sharing and deeper stakeholder engagement, noting that effective collaboration would significantly reduce cargo dwell time and eliminate unnecessary disruptions within the port corridor.
The NSC boss also raised concerns over the arrest of containers that had already been duly cleared, stressing the need for better coordination to prevent avoidable delays in cargo movement and trade facilitation.
He further stated that sustained collaboration between the Council and the Police would promote seamless cargo movement, enhance regulatory enforcement, and strengthen Nigeria’s port competitiveness. He urged both agencies to jointly review police alert mechanisms and work together to curb insecurity within the ports.
Earlier in her remarks, CP Agbaminoja described the Council as a key institution in Nigeria’s maritime governance structure and reiterated the Command’s commitment to providing adequate security for port users and critical infrastructure.
She assured the Council’s management of the Command’s readiness to enhance cooperation in tackling emerging security threats and operational challenges within the port system.
According to her, the Command remains prepared to support the Council in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities, particularly in dispute resolution, enforcement of lawful activities, port user protection, and monitoring of cargo movement within the port corridor.
Both institutions agreed that sustained collaboration would promote seamless cargo movement, strengthen regulatory enforcement, and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global maritime sector.
