The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has announced a comprehensive five-year reform strategy aimed at transforming its operations through full digitalization, performance-driven systems, and infrastructure development. Central to the plan is the complete migration of all internal processes to the Enterprise Content Management (ECM) platform by the third quarter (Q3) of 2025.
The new direction was unveiled by the Executive Secretary/CEO of the NSC, Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, during the Council’s Special Management Retreat held in Lagos from July 23 to 24. Themed “Achieving Strategic Intents Through Performance Lens,” the retreat brought together top-level management, including directors and department heads, to align internal processes with national economic goals.
Dr. Akutah stressed that the Council would no longer operate on legacy bureaucratic systems focused on procedures and paperwork. He directed all departments to complete the transition to digital workflows—including memos, approvals, correspondences, and record-keeping—on the ECM platform by Q3 2025. Departments that fail to comply, he warned, would face administrative sanctions.
“We must break from the past. Our work must now be driven by impact, not process. Performance is the new standard,” Dr. Akutah said.
As part of the new performance culture, the Council will introduce a Key Performance Indicator (KPI)-based appraisal system. The Human Resource Management (HRM) and Strategic Planning, Research and Development (SPRD) departments have been tasked with finalizing individual performance contracts by the third quarter, which will serve as a basis for future promotions and staff deployments.
The reform plan also focuses on key infrastructure projects. Dr. Akutah reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to delivering the Jos Inland Dry Port, Gateway IDP in Ogun State, Kano Dala IDP, Potiskum Vehicle Transit Area (VTA), and several Border Information Centres. He directed zonal coordinators and the Inland Transport Services Department to submit fortnightly updates on project status, promising to personally monitor implementation, budget adherence, and stakeholder engagements.
To improve port performance and efficiency, the Regulatory Services and ICT departments have been assigned to develop a real-time dashboard in collaboration with terminal operators and the Nigeria Customs Service. The dashboard will track critical metrics such as vessel turnaround time and cargo dwell time and will be included in monthly performance evaluations by the Executive Secretary’s office.
Additional reforms scheduled for implementation in Q3 2025 include the institutionalization of quarterly stakeholder engagement forums, release of regulatory newsletters, and the launch of a formal complaints resolution tracker to be jointly managed by the PR Unit, Consumer Affairs, and SPRD departments.
Dr. Akutah commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his leadership and for establishing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. He also praised the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, for what he described as forward-thinking leadership that has energized institutions like the NSC to pursue innovation and measurable results.
“This retreat is not just another meeting. It must mark a turning point,” Dr. Akutah stated. “We must shift from strategy to execution. From processes to outcomes. From paperwork to performance.”
Also speaking at the event, Mr. Rotimi Anifowose, Director of the Strategic Planning and Research Department, noted that the retreat marked the validation of the Council’s new strategic blueprint. He described the report validation and signing of performance bonds as a reaffirmation of the Council’s dedication to performance and results-driven leadership.
“The strategic planning session was more than a formality—it was an inclusive and forward-looking process that reshaped our goals to reflect current realities,” Anifowose said.
He added that the performance bond signed between the Executive Secretary and departmental heads symbolizes shared accountability and a commitment to transparency and measurable achievements.
“This is not a ceremonial gesture—it is a clear signal of our leadership responsibility,” he stated.
Anifowose expressed appreciation to the Executive Secretary for his vision and support and urged all retreat participants to embrace innovation, contribute constructively, and commit to excellence in service delivery.
The retreat concluded with a renewed mandate for all NSC directorates and departments to drive change and translate strategy into actionable outcomes in support of Nigeria’s maritime and economic development goals.
@2025 The Ameh News: All Rights Reserved
Discover more from Ameh News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
