When Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah assumed office as Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in November 2023, the maritime sector was grappling with inefficiencies, excessive port charges, and a lack of transparency in cargo management. Two years on, the NSC has positioned itself as a reform-driven agency redefining how Nigeria’s ports operate and how trade is facilitated across its corridors.

From his first day, Akutah set out a bold vision — to transform the Council from a traditional regulator into a dynamic trade facilitator, one capable of driving President Bola Tinubu’s agenda for a competitive and digitally driven blue economy. His mantra, “Efficiency, Integrity, and Innovation,” has since become the guiding philosophy behind the Council’s daily operations.

One of the standout achievements in this period is the Council’s push for automation. Through digital verification systems for freight rates, demurrage, and charter-party agreements, the NSC reportedly saved over ₦31 billion in just six months of 2024. By the end of that year, total savings had climbed to about ₦46 billion — a testament to how technology can plug the financial leakages that have long plagued port operations.

Beyond the numbers, these savings represent real relief for shippers who had endured arbitrary charges and opaque practices for years. The automation of key services means faster transactions, fewer disputes, and a greater sense of fairness in the maritime ecosystem. It also marks a quiet revolution in how Nigeria’s trade infrastructure is managed.

The Council’s commitment to transparency hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2024, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) awarded the NSC an impressive 84.68 percent in its Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard — one of the highest ratings among federal agencies. It was a rare accolade in a sector often criticized for graft and inefficiency.

Akutah’s administration has also taken a proactive stance on legislative reform. The Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill, recently passed by the House of Representatives, seeks to consolidate the NSC’s authority as the country’s port economic regulator. Once it gains Senate concurrence, it is expected to give the Council stronger legal backing to enforce compliance and protect shippers from exploitative practices.

Infrastructure development has been another cornerstone of the Council’s strategy. The completion and commissioning of the Funtua Inland Dry Port stand out as a milestone achievement, expanding Nigeria’s hinterland trade capacity and reducing congestion at seaports. With several other inland ports under development, the Council’s vision of decentralizing port access is steadily taking shape.

Capacity building has not been left behind. From in-house training sessions to international workshops, the Council has invested in human capital development to equip its workforce for a modernized maritime landscape. As one senior officer put it, “We can’t regulate a 21st-century port with 20th-century skills.”

The Council’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism has also delivered quiet but significant victories for port users. Over ₦6 billion has been recovered for shippers through mediation and arbitration, helping to decongest the courts and restore confidence among stakeholders. It’s a reflection of how soft power — dialogue and fairness — can complement strict regulation.

But challenges remain. One major stumbling block has been the delayed implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), a system that could save Nigeria up to $500 million annually in revenue leakages. Bureaucratic bottlenecks and contractual disputes have stalled progress, though the NSC insists it remains committed to delivering the project.

Stakeholders also continue to raise concerns over high demurrage fees and delays in container refunds. While the Council’s complaints unit has recovered billions for shippers, systemic inefficiencies across terminals and shipping lines persist — a reminder that reform in the maritime sector is more marathon than sprint.

Despite these hurdles, the NSC’s public engagement strategy has fostered a new sense of accountability. The agency now publishes annual performance reports, holds regular stakeholder forums, and maintains open communication channels with port users. For an organization once seen as distant and bureaucratic, this cultural shift toward transparency has been transformative.

The ripple effects of these reforms extend beyond Nigeria’s shores. By improving port efficiency and governance, the Council is enhancing the country’s reputation as a viable logistics hub in West Africa — a critical step in attracting investment under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

As the NSC marks its two-year milestone under Akutah’s leadership, industry watchers agree that the Council is no longer the passive regulator it once was. It has become a strategic player in Nigeria’s quest for a diversified, sustainable, and digitally enabled maritime economy.

For Dr. Akutah and his team, the journey is far from over. The next frontier, they say, lies in full automation, the operationalization of the ICTN, and the realization of a seamless single-window system for trade. If the first two years are anything to go by, the Council’s compass is firmly set toward modernization — and Nigeria’s shipping future looks more promising than ever.

Ends.