Lagos, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- THE Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) says its reform agenda under Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Pius Akutah, has preserved more than ₦90.6 billion for businesses, reduced the cost of port operations and strengthened Nigeria’s competitiveness as the country seeks to modernise its maritime economy.
Since assuming office in November 2023, Akutah has led a series of regulatory, institutional and digital reforms aimed at transforming the Council from a dispute resolution agency into a modern port economic regulator capable of supporting trade, investment and economic growth.
Presenting his administration’s scorecard during an interactive session with maritime editors and correspondents in Lagos, Akutah said the reforms are aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the policy direction of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
According to him, one of the most significant outcomes has been the financial relief delivered to businesses operating within Nigeria’s ports.
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Between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the second quarter of 2026, the Council protected over ₦90.6 billion and $1.348 million that would otherwise have been lost through excessive charges, commercial disputes and operational inefficiencies.
The largest share of the savings came from preventing the payment of approximately ₦86.06 billion in what the Council described as unjustified demurrage charges. Additional recoveries running into billions of naira and more than one million dollars were secured through the settlement of disputes involving shipping companies, terminal operators and port users.
Beyond the financial gains, Akutah said the reforms have strengthened confidence among investors and cargo owners by providing faster and more transparent mechanisms for resolving commercial disputes outside the courts.
During the review period, the Council received 558 complaints and successfully resolved 295 cases covering demurrage, detention charges, cargo claims, export fraud and terminal billing.
A major institutional milestone, according to Akutah, is the passage of the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill by both chambers of the National Assembly.
Once signed into law by President Tinubu, the legislation will transform the Nigerian Shippers’ Council into an independent port economic regulator with expanded powers to oversee tariffs, enforce service standards, discourage anti-competitive practices and promote greater transparency across Nigeria’s port system.
Industry stakeholders have long argued that the legislation will provide the legal certainty required to attract investment and improve efficiency in the maritime sector.
For the first time since its establishment in 1978, the Council also secured statutory funding through the 2025 Appropriation Act, ending decades of financial uncertainty and strengthening its capacity to perform its expanding regulatory responsibilities.
Akutah disclosed that the Council is integrating its revenue collection process into Nigeria’s National Single Window platform to improve transparency, accountability and ease of doing business.
The Council has streamlined bonded terminal invoice charges from 18 categories to six, eliminated unauthorised shipping line surcharges and directed terminal operators to publicly display approved tariffs, measures aimed at improving pricing transparency and reducing operational costs for importers and exporters.
According to Akutah, all major obstacles delaying the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) have been resolved. Once fully deployed, the system is expected to improve cargo visibility, strengthen supply chain security, reduce cargo diversion and enhance customs administration.
The Council is equally playing a key role in implementing the National Single Window project, widely regarded as one of the most effective digital platforms for simplifying international trade procedures and improving border efficiency.
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Beyond regulation, the NSC has expanded investments in logistics infrastructure designed to improve cargo movement across Nigeria.
Construction and development activities are progressing on Inland Dry Ports in Kaduna, Kano and Funtua, alongside Vehicle Transit Areas and Border Information Centres in strategic trade corridors, including Idiroko, Jigawa, Benue, Borno and Kebbi States.
Following the collapse of the Jibia Border Information Centre in June 2026, reconstruction has commenced while discussions continue with state governments on developing permanent facilities to strengthen cross-border trade management.
Deployment of an Enterprise Content Management System has improved document management and operational efficiency, while a Leadership and Succession Planning Programme is preparing the institution for its anticipated transition into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency.
Akutah said the reforms are designed to ensure institutional continuity and sustain improvements beyond the tenure of the current management.
The Council is also seeking to strengthen the legal framework supporting maritime commerce.
From July 22 to 24, it will host the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute and the Nigerian Maritime Law Association, bringing together chief justices and senior judicial officers from across Africa to promote consistency in maritime dispute resolution.
Looking ahead, Akutah identified presidential assent to the NPERA Bill, full implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note, expansion of inland logistics infrastructure and deeper digital integration as the next phase of Nigeria’s maritime transformation.
If sustained, the reforms are expected to lower logistics costs, improve port efficiency, enhance investor confidence and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a competitive maritime and trade hub in Africa.
The ongoing transformation of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council reflects a broader shift towards a more transparent, technology-driven and business-friendly port ecosystem—one that is increasingly focused on facilitating trade, attracting investment and supporting long-term economic growth.
