By Joshua Yousouph
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, has said the Council will carefully assess a proposal by the Shippers Association of Lagos State (SALS) seeking access to the N28 billion Cargo Defence Fund for the acquisition of a permanent secretariat in Lagos.
Akutah made the remarks during an inspection of the proposed facility on Monday in Apapa, Lagos, describing the visit as part of due diligence required under the Standard Operating Procedure governing the management of the recovered fund.
According to earlier disclosures by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, about ₦28 billion has already been recovered and lodged with the Central Bank of Nigeria, while additional payments are still being expected as some cases remain in court.
Dr Akutah explained that the N28 billion Cargo Defence Fund, established by the Federal Government to protect shippers’ interests, must be prudently managed to ensure it delivers long-term institutional value to stakeholders across the maritime sector.
According to him, the recovery of part of the fund followed a prolonged legal process involving stakeholders, including the Lagos chapter of the association, which he commended for its role in advancing the case over the years.
Akutah noted that although the association’s request is under consideration, final approval would require scrutiny by the NSC board and subsequent endorsement by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy in line with government procedures.
He stressed that any investment made from the fund must have nationwide benefit, adding that the proposed facility should serve not only Lagos-based members, but also the broader community of Nigerian shippers.
Beyond office accommodation, the NSC boss said the Council is also exploring the possibility of integrating capacity-building functions within the facility, including a proposed “Shippers Clinic” that would provide advisory services on trade documentation, export procedures, and international commerce requirements.
He expressed concern over persistent challenges affecting Nigerian exports, particularly issues of packaging standards and inadequate testing of export commodities, which often lead to rejection in foreign markets.
Akutah said addressing such gaps requires stronger institutional support systems that bring shippers closer to regulatory guidance and technical information.
He further emphasized that the long-term vision of the Council is to strengthen the institutional capacity of the shippers’ community in Nigeria, enabling them to negotiate more effectively within the global shipping value chain.
In his remarks, President of the Shippers Association of Lagos State, Reverend Nicodemus Odolo, described the development as a turning point in the relationship between shippers and government regulators.
He said the association was encouraged by what it termed as a more responsive and engaged leadership at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, noting that the proposed facility would enhance professionalism and coordination within the sector.
Odolo added that shippers in Lagos and across the country are increasingly confident that ongoing reforms will reposition Nigeria for greater competitiveness in maritime trade.
Legal representative of the association, Barrister Osuala Nwagbara, also welcomed the inspection, describing it as evidence of a new era of collaboration between government and industry stakeholders.
He said the planned facility, if approved, would strengthen the negotiating power of Nigerian shippers and promote a more balanced relationship with service providers across the maritime value chain.
Nwagbara expressed optimism that the initiative would contribute to building a more structured, confident, and globally competitive shipping industry in Nigeria.
