The Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) has unveiled plans for a strategic partnership with the British Ports Association.
This development was announced during NPCC’s quarterly meeting held on Thursday in Lagos, where the Council also inaugurated its pioneer Board of Trustees.
The NPCC Chairman, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, disclosed that a delegation of the Council would be traveling to London to engage with their counterparts and exchange ideas that will support reforms in the Nigerian port system.
Speaking on the event’s theme, “Digital Information and Data Management for Sustainable Marine and Blue Economy,” Sunmola stressed the importance of collaboration in addressing long-standing inefficiencies in port operations.
“Every inefficiency at the port gate ripples across our national productivity. Every delay in customs processing translates to lost revenue. Every misalignment in our regulatory framework weakens investor confidence. But every solution we build—together—brings us one step closer to transforming Nigeria into a regional maritime powerhouse.” Sunmola said.
Sunmola emphasized that the NPCC is a vital bridge between the government and the private sector, and that the inauguration of its Board of Trustees represents a milestone in the Council’s evolution and strategic oversight.
“As our Council continues to grow in responsibility and reach, I am confident that with the backing of our newly-inaugurated Board of Trustees and the support of every stakeholder, the financing and implementation of critical port reforms will receive a significant boost,” he added.
The Vice Chairman of NPCC, Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN), while presenting a review of the Council’s activities for the first quarter of 2025, highlighted several key achievements. These include the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to support its reengineering process.
Anishere also noted that NPCC has engaged with various national and international organizations such as the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, the Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA), and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
She added that the NPCC has secured a stand at the 2025 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, as part of its effort to expand its global footprint.
“The new NPCC has been registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), giving us greater legitimacy and operational structure. Our website has been activated, and we’ve revamped the secretariat to support better service delivery,” she stated.
The newly inaugurated Board of Trustees includes: former Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barr. Hassan Bello; Chief (Mrs.) Chinwe Ezenwa; Alhaji Muhammed Bambado; Alhaji Abayomi Adigun; Mallam Bello Gwandu; Mr. Bolaji Sunmola; and Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN). The board was formally inaugurated by Hon. Justice Folashade Bankole-Oki (Rtd).
Representing the Director General of NECA, Mr. Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, at the event, Mr. Thompson Akpabio called on the NPCC to drive positive change in the sector by championing industry dialogue and sponsoring reform-driven legislation.
“No war has ever been resolved on the war fields without people going back to discuss at roundtables. NPCC should lead industry discourse and sponsor bills that will affect the ports positively, taking into consideration the views of labour unions, workers, operators, and global best practices,” he said.
In a keynote address, Professor Bamidele Badejo of Lagos State University identified data management and digital infrastructure as critical challenges hindering the growth of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy. He called for a technology-driven framework that balances open-access data and national security concerns.
In a panel session, Comptroller Tenny Daniyan, Customs Area Controller of the PTML Command, decried Nigeria’s over-reliance on imported goods, urging a shift towards boosting local production to strengthen the economy.
The event attracted stakeholders from across the maritime, trade, and industrial sectors including Mrs. Chinyere Almona, Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI); Mr. Kingsley Igwe, Registrar of CRFFN; Mr. John Aluya, Vice President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Capt. Sunday Umoren, Secretary General of the Abuja MoU; and Ify Akerele, Vice President of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS).
