The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has reaffirmed its commitment to stronger inter-agency collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in a bid to enhance enforcement compliance and improve operational efficiency across Nigeria’s ports.
This position was made known during a courtesy visit by the Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius and his team to the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, in Abuja.
The visit, which focused on strengthening institutional synergy, comes in the wake of growing responsibilities for the NSC under the newly created Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Akutah emphasized the critical role of security agencies in supporting port operations and ensuring regulatory compliance. He called for the posting of police officers to assist the Council’s monitoring and enforcement teams at key port locations including Lagos, Warri, Onne, Port Harcourt, and Calabar.
“The posting will complement the activities of our revived task teams and enhance our ability to enforce standards across the maritime logistics chain,” Dr. Akutah stated.
In response, the Inspector-General of Police, Dr. Egbetokun, assured the Council of the Force’s readiness to continue supporting the growth of the maritime sector. He acknowledged that compliance enforcement is essential to the successful implementation of Nigeria’s Blue Economy objectives.
The NSC and NPF are expected to deepen collaboration in the months ahead, with a shared focus on building a secure, efficient, and competitive port environment.
Also, speaking, the Inspector-General of Police, affirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to providing adequate security to boost economic activities in the marine and blue economy sector of Nigeria.
He also acknowledged the important role the Nigerian Shippers’ Council plays in driving national economic growth. He reassured the delegation of the continued support of the Nigeria Police Force in sustaining and deepening the collaboration, particularly in maintaining security within port environments and ensuring smooth enforcement operations.
The IGP affirmed the readiness of the Force to work more closely with the Council’s Joint Task Teams to achieve both organizations’ shared and distinct mandates in service of national development.
