The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving operational efficiency across Nigerian ports through sustained regulatory reforms targeted at reducing costs, enhancing transparency, and strengthening trade competitiveness.
The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, made this known during the 25th Anniversary and Award Conferment Ceremony of Maritime Watch Newspaper held in Ikeja. The event, themed “Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Costs in Nigerian Ports Through Shippers’ Council’s Regulatory Framework”, brought together key stakeholders in the maritime sector.
Represented by the Deputy Director, Standard Services Division, Adaora Nwonu, the NSC boss highlighted the Council’s evolution from a shipper-protection agency into Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator.
According to him, the maritime sector remains a critical driver of Nigeria’s economy, with ports serving as vital gateways for trade, investment, and national growth. He noted that efficient port operations are essential for lowering logistics costs, boosting export performance, and enhancing Nigeria’s global trade competitiveness.
Akutah stressed that persistent inefficiencies within the port system often lead to delays, higher transaction costs, and diminished investor confidence, underscoring the urgent need for sustained reforms and stronger coordination among stakeholders.
He further explained that the Federal Government’s designation of the NSC as Port Economic Regulator in 2015 has significantly improved order, transparency, and fairness in the sector through proactive regulatory interventions and stakeholder engagement.
Highlighting ongoing initiatives, he listed the promotion of Inland Dry Ports, Vehicle Transit Areas, Border Information Centres, digitalisation of port processes, the National Single Window project, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area as key drivers of trade facilitation and improved port performance.
Akutah also emphasised the need for deeper digital integration, data sharing, and compliance among port stakeholders to achieve seamless operations and enhanced service delivery across the maritime industry.
Speaking further, he underscored the critical role of the media in supporting reforms through increased awareness.
He noted that strategic media partnership would help disseminate the Council’s activities, reforms, and innovations to a wider audience, while also providing valuable feedback to guide policy formulation and decision-making for collective progress.