National Shipping carrier in final phase, to be delivered via PPP — Oyetola

By Taiwo Scholarstica

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, has said the Council’s ongoing reforms in the maritime sector are in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with a focus on improving port efficiency, facilitating trade and strengthening Nigeria’s maritime economy.

Akutah made the remarks during an interactive session with maritime editors and reporters in Lagos, where he reviewed the Council’s activities and highlighted major achievements recorded under his leadership.

According to him, the Council’s regulatory interventions and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism have delivered significant economic benefits to port users and the nation over the past three years.

He disclosed that the interventions protected more than N90.6 billion and US$`1.348 million in economic value through the prevention of unjustified charges and the settlement of commercial disputes.

He disclosed that the Council prevented the payment of N86.06 billion in unjustified demurrage charges while securing an additional N86.06 billion and US`$1.348 million in savings through the resolution of commercial disputes involving port users.

“Guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the policy direction of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, we have repositioned the Council as a modern, efficient and globally competitive Port Economic Regulator,” Dr. Akutah stated.

The NSC boss also described the passage of the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill by both chambers of the National Assembly as one of the Council’s landmark achievements.

He explained that once the bill receives presidential assent, it will establish an independent Port Economic Regulator with statutory powers to regulate tariffs, monitor service delivery standards and promote fair competition within Nigeria’s port industry.

Akutah further announced that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council had secured statutory funding for the first time since its establishment in 1978 following its inclusion in the 2025 Appropriation Act.

He said the development would strengthen the Council’s capacity to carry out its regulatory responsibilities and improve service delivery across the maritime sector.

The NSC chief maintained that the reforms being implemented by the Council are aimed at creating a more transparent, competitive and efficient port system capable of supporting economic growth, attracting investment and enhancing Nigeria’s position as a leading maritime hub in the region.