The Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, has disclosed that about 40 per cent of the Council’s operations are now conducted through its Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS), as part of efforts to drive digital transformation and modernize the agency’s administrative processes.
Akutah made the disclosure during the Council’s management retreat held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, last week, where he officially congratulated the newly-promoted 17 members of staff to the management cadre at the level of Assistant Directors. The newly promoted officers comprise nine female and eight male staff.
Speaking on the Council’s ongoing digital reforms, Akutah explained that the ECMS platform, launched last year, was designed to strengthen document management, automate workflow processes and improve institutional record keeping.
According to him, the platform represents a significant milestone in the Council’s journey toward building a modern, efficient and paperless administrative system. He noted that the system has already begun transforming internal processes within the Council, with about 40 per cent of its operations now being processed through the digital platform.
The NSC boss added that the Council is expanding the digitalisation initiative by strengthening electronic workflow and approval systems, improving integration between transport, stores and ICT processes, and promoting electronic documentation and record management.
He further stated that the reforms are aimed at improving internal coordination through digital platforms and encouraging data-driven decision making across departments.
Akutah said the initiatives are necessary to ensure that the Council operates as a modern regulatory institution capable of responding effectively to the realities of the global maritime and logistics environment.
On staff welfare, Akutah revealed that the Council has initiated a salary review for its workforce. He said the proposed salary review has already received approval from the supervising ministry and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and is currently undergoing vetting by the Budget Office of the Federation.
According to him, the proposal will subsequently be forwarded to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for final approval before implementation. Akutah expressed optimism that the process would soon be concluded, noting that improved staff welfare remains critical to institutional productivity and morale.
He also disclosed that the management has introduced additional welfare initiatives, including an upward review of the Children Education Grant per term, the introduction of Health and Social Club allowances, and the introduction of Proficiency Allowances aimed at encouraging professional development among staff.
The NSC chief emphasised that institutional transformation must be supported by improved staff welfare and capacity development to build a stronger and more responsive organisation.
