The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Port Authority Police (Western) Command have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger collaboration aimed at promoting seamless cargo movement and enhancing the competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah, stressed that both institutions operate within the same port ecosystem, making synergy critical to operational efficiency and national economic growth.
Akutah called for improved intelligence sharing and deeper stakeholder engagement, noting that effective inter-agency cooperation would significantly reduce cargo dwell time and eliminate avoidable disruptions in the port value chain.
He expressed concern over incidents involving the arrest of containers that had already been duly cleared, emphasising the need for better coordination to prevent unnecessary delays in cargo movement.
The NSC boss further underscored that sustained collaboration would not only ensure seamless cargo flow but also strengthen regulatory enforcement and position Nigeria’s ports for greater global competitiveness. He urged both agencies to jointly review police alert mechanisms and intensify efforts to curb insecurity within the port corridors.
Earlier in her remarks, CP Agbaminoja described the Shippers’ Council as a pivotal institution in Nigeria’s maritime governance architecture. She reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to providing adequate security for port users and critical infrastructure.
The Commissioner assured the Council of the Police Command’s readiness to enhance cooperation in addressing emerging security threats and operational challenges within the port system.
According to her, the Command remains prepared to support the Council in carrying out its statutory responsibilities, particularly in dispute resolution, enforcement of lawful port activities, protection of port users, and effective monitoring of cargo movement across the port corridor.