By Fredrick Ameh
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, has formally signed the Council’s 2026 Sectoral Performance Bond, reaffirming its commitment to accountability, transparency, and improved service delivery across Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The signing ceremony was conducted by the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, during the just-concluded stakeholders’ engagement held in Lagos.
Speaking at the event, the Minister stressed the importance of a results-driven approach among agencies under the ministry, noting that Performance Bonds are binding commitments that will be closely monitored to ensure measurable outcomes.
He emphasized that such frameworks are critical to driving efficiency, discipline, and alignment with national development priorities.
With the signing of the 2026 Performance Bond, the NSC management reinforced its resolve to strengthen performance management systems while advancing reforms within Nigeria’s port and logistics ecosystem.
Highlighting key achievements for 2025, Dr. Akutah disclosed that the Council recorded significant progress in the development of Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) across designated locations nationwide.
According to him, the initiative is central to enhancing the country’s transport and logistics infrastructure, with sustained support from the supervising ministry.
He further noted that the Council’s proactive role in resolving disputes between port service users and providers has saved Nigerians billions of naira, while also improving operational efficiency and transparency within the maritime industry.
Dr. Akutah also pointed to the successful implementation of the Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS), which has fully digitized the Council’s documentation processes.
The transition to electronic systems, he said, has streamlined operations, reduced delays, and significantly improved service delivery to stakeholders.
Reaffirming the Council’s vision, the NSC boss reiterated its commitment to deepening reforms, enhancing regulatory oversight, and ensuring a more efficient, transparent, and competitive maritime sector in Nigeria.