NSC Advocates for Conducive Maritime Environment to Boost Importers’ and Exporters’ Confidence

the Executive Secretary/CEO of the NSC, Barrister Akutah Pius

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has emphasized the urgent need to create a conducive environment in the maritime sector to restore the confidence of importers and exporters in Nigeria’s ports. This call was made by the Executive Secretary/CEO of the NSC, Barrister Akutah Pius, during the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) 2024 Annual Conference and Awards held in Lagos. The conference, themed “Nigeria’s Maritime Industry Under the Renewed Hope Agenda: What is New?” highlighted critical issues affecting the sector.

Speaking through the Director of Strategic Planning and Research, Rotimi Anifowose, Akutah urged stakeholders to support the Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill 2023, which is currently under review in the House of Representatives and the Senate. The bill, if passed into law, will empower the Council to enhance regulatory authority, enforce compliance, regulate charges, improve port efficiency, eliminate exploitative practices, and facilitate faster dispute resolution.

According to Akutah, the bill is pivotal to aligning Nigeria’s maritime sector with global best practices, boosting competitiveness, and positioning the country as a regional hub for shipping activities. “To realize the Renewed Hope Agenda in the maritime industry, we must prioritize the functionality and role of the port economic regulator,” he said.

Driving Reforms Through Legislation

Akutah described the Council’s efforts in championing the bill as vital to addressing structural inefficiencies in Nigeria’s ports. He explained, “The Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill 2023 will empower the Council to effectively execute its regulatory functions in the port sector. Once passed, this bill will be a transformative step toward achieving our goals for port efficiency and trade facilitation.”

He called on all stakeholders, including Customs and private sector players, to collaborate in ensuring the President assents to the bill. “We can achieve so much more if we provide a conducive environment that instills confidence in our ports for importers and exporters,” he added.

Achievements Under the Renewed Hope Agenda

Akutah highlighted the NSC’s recent achievements, including the commissioning of the Funtua Inland Dry Port, the negotiation of minimum service standards for maritime workers, and efforts to eliminate illegal capital flight. He also noted the development of a mobile application that offers real-time trade and logistics information to stakeholders.

“These initiatives are part of our commitment to making Nigeria a key player in the global maritime market,” he said. Akutah further stressed the need for comprehensive reforms, noting that 85–90% of cargo handled in Lome Port is destined for Nigeria, underscoring the need for efficiency in local ports to attract more direct shipping traffic.

A Call for Collective Action

Akutah concluded by urging stakeholders to support the NSC’s legislative and operational reforms. “The Customs Service is generating revenue for the government, but we all know more can be done. Together, we can create a sustainable environment that fosters confidence and attracts more business to our ports. The time to act is now,” he stated.

The NSC’s call reflects a broader vision for a competitive and efficient maritime industry that supports Nigeria’s economic growth and global trade ambitions.