Stories by Seun Ibiyemi
The Federal Government has launched the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS).
The new digital system will boost digital governance, institutional efficiency, and enhanced competitiveness in the maritime and blue economy sector.
At the unveiling in Abuja by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, alongside the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, Senator Akume congratulated Dr Oyetola for his strategic leadership, which he said contributed to Nigeria’s recent election into Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.
He noted that the milestone affirmed the country’s growing influence in the global maritime space.
The SGF further emphasised that the newly launched ECMS would strengthen government efficiency by reducing bureaucratic delays and advancing the administration’s broader objectives of transparency, accountability, and digital transformation.
Speaking at the event, Dr Oyetola described the launch as a defining moment in Nigeria’s journey toward a fully modern and technology-driven maritime governance framework.
He said digital transformation sits at the heart of the Ministry’s strategy to reposition the sector to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving global trade landscape.
According to him, the ECMS, while primarily an internal workflow and records management tool will significantly improve service delivery, streamline operations, and empower the Shippers’ Council to offer predictable and transparent regulatory interventions.
He said features such as automated workflows, secure approvals, real-time task tracking, and centralised information management would cut turnaround times and enhance Nigeria’s port performance.
The Minister also highlighted ongoing reforms in the sector, including the clearance of the Apapa gridlock, Federal Government approval of a comprehensive port modernisation programme, and the development of Inland Dry Ports across all geopolitical zones to stimulate trade and broaden economic inclusion.
Delivering the keynote address, the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Walson-Jack, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to achieving a fully digital and paperless public administration by the end of 2025.
She commended the Shippers’ Council for aligning with the Presidential directive on digital records management, describing the ECMS as evidence of institutional readiness for the future of governance.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr Akutah Pius Ukeyima, described the ECMS as a turning point in the Council’s digitalisation agenda.
He stated that the platform was developed to eliminate delays, manual file movement, and administrative bottlenecks that have long undermined efficiency in public institutions.
Akutah added that by strengthening internal accountability, information security, and operational speed, the system will significantly enhance the Council’s regulatory capacity.
He expressed gratitude to the Minister, SGF, Head of Service, and various stakeholders for their support, urging staff to fully embrace the new platform as a vital component of a modern, paperless, and efficient institution.
The event was attended by senior government officials, maritime industry stakeholders, and representatives of the organised private sector.