The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has unveiled an ambitious five-year reform agenda focused on performance-driven operations, full digital transformation, and infrastructure delivery, with a key target of migrating all internal processes to its Enterprise Content Management (ECM) platform by the end of the third quarter of 2025.
This was disclosed by the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, during the opening of the NSC’s Special Management Retreat held in Lagos from July 23 to 24, 2025. The retreat, themed “Achieving Strategic Intents Through Performance Lens,” brought together senior directors, heads of departments, and other key personnel to align operational mandates with strategic national objectives.
Dr. Akutah emphasized that the Council can no longer operate as a bureaucracy focused on processes and paperwork. Instead, he said the focus must now be on measurable results and outcomes. As part of this shift, he announced that all departments must complete the migration of internal memos, approvals, correspondences, and record-keeping to the ECM platform by the end of Q3 2025. He warned that any department that fails to comply with this directive would face administrative sanctions.
The Executive Secretary also highlighted the implementation of a Key Performance Indicator (KPI)-based staff appraisal system as a critical component of the Council’s five-year strategy (2025–2029). He directed the Human Resource Management (HRM) and Strategic Planning, Research and Development (SPRD) departments to finalize and activate individual performance contracts in Q3, making clear that future promotions, postings, and recognitions would be tied directly to performance outcomes.
In terms of infrastructure, Dr. Akutah reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to delivering key projects such as the Jos Inland Dry Port, Gateway IDP in Ogun, Kano Dala IDP, Potiskum Vehicle Transit Area (VTA), and various Border Information Centres. He directed zonal coordinators and the Inland Transport Services Department to submit fortnightly updates, while also pledging to personally monitor project timelines, budget implementation, and stakeholder engagement.
To enhance port efficiency, the Regulatory Services and ICT departments have been tasked with developing a real-time dashboard, in collaboration with terminal operators and the Nigeria Customs Service. The dashboard will monitor key metrics such as vessel turnaround time and cargo dwell time and will form part of monthly performance reviews with the Executive Secretary’s office.
Also on the Q3 agenda are new initiatives to improve stakeholder engagement and transparency. These include the institutionalisation of quarterly stakeholder forums, the release of regulatory newsletters, and the introduction of a formal complaint-resolution tracker to be handled by the PR Unit, Consumer Affairs, and Strategic Planning departments.
While outlining these critical reforms, Dr. Akutah expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his visionary leadership and the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, which he described as a strategic step toward harnessing Nigeria’s ocean economy for national development.
He also commended the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, for his steady guidance, forward-thinking approach, and strong support for reforms within the sector. According to him, the Minister’s commitment has reinvigorated institutions like the NSC to embrace innovation, accountability, and measurable impact.
Dr. Akutah concluded by charging all directors and unit heads to return from the retreat with a renewed sense of purpose and actionable plans. “This retreat must not just be another meeting—it must be a turning point. We must move from intentions to implementation. Performance is not optional. It is the new culture.” he said.
On his part, the NSC Director of the Strategic Planning and Research Department, Mr Rotimi Anifowose while delivering the welcome address emphasized that the twin activities of report validation and performance bond signing represent a reaffirmation of the Council’s commitment to results-driven operations.
Mr Anifowose noted that the recently concluded strategic planning session was not a routine exercise, but a reflective and inclusive engagement that aimed to realign the institution’s vision, mission, and strategic goals in response to current realities and future expectations. The session, according to him, generated key insights and recommendations which were compiled into a draft report now undergoing validation.
“Validation is not just a procedural step,” he explained. “It is a reaffirmation of our collective ownership of the strategy. It ensures the final document reflects our aspirations, challenges, and priorities for the next five years.” he noted.
The Director added that the report will serve as a blueprint to guide decision-making, shape operations, and assess performance going forward. Equally significant was the signing of the performance bond between the Executive Secretary and the Heads of Departments and Units. The performance bond, he noted, symbolizes mutual accountability and leadership responsibility, further deepening the Council’s culture of discipline, transparency, and measurable results.
“This is not merely a ceremonial exercise,” he said. “It is a bold statement of leadership accountability and collective responsibility.” Anifowose noted.
He expressed deep appreciation to the Executive Secretary for his visionary leadership and unwavering support, and also commended department and unit heads for their active contributions to the strategic planning process and continued commitment to the Council’s objectives.
The Director urged all participants to engage constructively during the session, provide candid feedback, and embrace the spirit of innovation and excellence that the retreat represents.
