At the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has blamed poor inter-agency coordination at seaports for cargo delays, losses, and expensive court battles, it therefore called for urgent collaboration among agencies.
The Executive Secretary of NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah, told judges and maritime stakeholders that a united front among port agencies is the fastest way to improve efficiency and protect Nigeria’s trade reputation.
Addressing participants on the “legal and financial implications of cargo delays”, Akutah noted that weak inter-agency coordination has continued to undermine port operations.
“Weak inter-agency coordination has continued to undermine port operations, resulting in avoidable delays, cargo deterioration, rising logistics costs, and increased litigation”, he said.
He stressed that greater collaboration among regulatory agencies would significantly improve operational efficiency and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a maritime and trade hub.
NPERA Bill to Address Port Challenges
Speaking on ongoing efforts to strengthen the regulatory framework for the port sector, Akutah disclosed that the proposed Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill is expected to resolve many of the operational and commercial challenges affecting cargo clearance and port services.
The Bill designates the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the statutory Port Economic Regulator.
“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”, he stated.
Judicial Capacity Key to Maritime Growth
Akutah 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.
He 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 added.
Experts Call for Stronger Legal Framework
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 Judge, organised by the NSC 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.