The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing operational efficiency at Nigerian ports through sustained regulatory reforms aimed at reducing costs, improving transparency, and boosting trade competitiveness.
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shipper’s Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, stated this during the 25th Anniversary and Award Conferment Ceremony of Maritime Watch Newspaper, which held recently in Ikeja, Lagos.
The event was themed: “Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Costs in Nigerian Ports Through Shippers’ Council’s Regulatory Framework.”
Presenting a lecture on behalf of the Executive Secretary, the Deputy Director, Standard Services Division, Ms. Adaora Nwonu, highlighted the Council’s transformation from an agency established to protect shippers’ interests into Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator.
According to Dr. Akutah, the maritime sector remains a major driver of the nation’s economy, with ports serving as critical gateways for trade, investment, and economic growth.
He noted that efficient port operations play a significant role in lowering logistics costs, improving export performance, and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade. He explained that inefficiencies within the port system often result in delays, increased transaction costs, and reduced investor confidence, stressing the need for sustained reforms and stronger operational coordination among stakeholders.
The NSC Boss further stated that the Federal Government’s designation of the Council as Port Economic Regulator in 2015 has helped restore order, transparency, and fairness within the sector through regulatory interventions and stakeholder engagement.
He also highlighted several initiatives introduced to support trade facilitation and improve port operations, including the promotion of Inland Dry Ports, Vehicle Transit Areas, Border Information Centres, digitalisation of port processes, the National Single Window project, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Dr. Akutah emphasized the importance of digital integration, data sharing, and compliance among port stakeholders to achieve seamless operations and improved service delivery across the maritime industry.
Speaking, Ms. Adaora Nwonu stressed the importance of media partnership in driving awareness. “With the media’s wide reach, we need their support in disseminating our activities, reforms, and innovations to the public. This will keep stakeholders informed and provide valuable feedback that can help shape policies and decision-making for collective progress”, she said.
