NIGERIAN SHIPPERS’ COUNCIL PUSHES FOR PORT EFFICIENCY THROUGH REGULATORY REFORMS

NIGERIAN SHIPPERS’ COUNCIL PUSHES FOR PORT EFFICIENCY THROUGH REGULATORY REFORMS

By Prince Benson Davies

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has restated its commitment to improving port performance by deepening regulatory reforms that cut costs, enhance transparency, and strengthen Nigeria’s trade competitiveness. The Council said the reforms are central to positioning the country’s maritime sector as a reliable gateway for commerce and investment.

Executive Secretary and CEO of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, made the statement at the 25th Anniversary and Award Conferment Ceremony of Maritime Watch Newspaper in Ikeja, Lagos. The event was held under the theme “Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Costs in Nigerian Ports Through Shippers’ Council’s Regulatory Framework.”

Delivering the lecture on behalf of the ES/CEO, Deputy Director of the Standard Services Division, Ms. Adaora Nwonu, traced the Council’s evolution from its original mandate of protecting shippers’ interests to its current role as the Port Economic Regulator. She said the shift has enabled the agency to address structural challenges across the port system.

Dr. Akutah noted that ports remain vital to Nigeria’s economy, serving as entry and exit points for trade and investment. He stressed that efficient operations are essential to reducing logistics expenses, improving export outcomes, and boosting the country’s standing in global markets. According to him, persistent inefficiencies lead to delays, higher transaction costs, and weaker investor confidence, making sustained reform and coordination among stakeholders unavoidable.

He explained that the Federal Government’s 2015 designation of the Council as Port Economic Regulator has helped introduce greater order and accountability in the sector. Through regulatory interventions and continuous engagement with operators, the Council has worked to create a fairer and more predictable operating environment.

The Council has also advanced several initiatives to support trade facilitation, including the development of Inland Dry Ports, Vehicle Transit Areas and Border Information Centres. Other measures include the digitalisation of port processes, the National Single Window project, and alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.

Dr. Akutah emphasized that digital integration, data sharing and compliance are necessary to achieve seamless operations and consistent service delivery. Speaking at the event, Ms. Nwonu called for stronger collaboration with the media to improve public awareness. “The media’s reach is critical to communicating our reforms and innovations to stakeholders. Their support helps keep the industry informed and provides feedback that strengthens policy and decision-making,” she said.