Freight Forwarders Applaud NSC CEO, Akutah, for Promoting Ports Transformation Agenda, War Against Arbitrary Shipping Charges

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By Francis Ugwoke
Freight forwarders and research group under the aegis of Sea Empowerment and Research Centre (SERE) have commended the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutah Pius Ukeyima Esq. PhD, MON, for the efforts of his Council to bring about transformation that will enthrone efficiency in Nigerian ports operations.
Head of Operations of the Group, Dr. Eugene Nweke, said it has been observed that Akutah has been making efforts to introduce more positive changes to the maritime and ports industry since he assumed office.
Nweke in an exclusive chat with SHIPPING DAY said Akutah has shown deep concerns about “promoting and ensuring the efficiency of ports, checking arbitrary charges, and promoting trade facilitation”.
According to Nweke, the NSC CEO, has performed creditably since assuming office over a year ago, adding that he has also been engaging stakeholders to improve the industry’s operations.

Nweke said about Akutah, “Akutah Pius Ukeyima Esq. PhD, MON, is a sound intellectual, fast learner and has been doing a great job as the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigeria Shippers Council – NSC, and now with the metamorphosis to the Nigeria Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency – NSPERA if passed into law, his leadership is expected to bring even more positive changes to the maritime and ports industry. Since assuming office, he has been actively promoting and ensuring the efficiency of ports, checking arbitrary charges, and promoting trade facilitation. He has also been engaging stakeholders to improve the industry’s operations.

“With his committed management team and staff, they have promoted and canvassed for the efficiency of ports, checked arbitrary charges, and promoted trade facilitation within the Council’s capacity. Also, under his watch, the Council has made significant recoveries on behalf of shippers. The compliance unit under his leadership has been reported to have recovered hundreds of millions of naira for shippers, which is a testament to his commitment to protecting their interests.

“His management team and staff have made constant interventions on behalf of shippers across the board, and this development is noteworthy. He has been a strong advocate for the rights of shippers and has worked tirelessly to ensure that they receive fair treatment from shipping companies, terminal operators, and other service providers. Whether it’s through negotiations, mediation, or regulatory actions, Akutah in particular has consistently demonstrated his dedication to promoting the welfare of shippers to the best of his abilities and most importantly his interactions with them.

“One of his notable achievements is the implementation of the Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS), which has helped to drive the digitalization and automation of the NSC’s operations . He has also been a strong proponent of a strong legal framework for the Shippers’ Council as the nation’s Port Economic Regulator, which will enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the nation’s ports .

“Under his leadership, the NSC has also made significant progress in canvassing for and promoting port efficiency, trade facilitation, and regional maritime hub development . Against all odds, the NSC has worked closely with terminal operators to ensure that they have the necessary equipment to facilitate trade and improve the overall efficiency of the ports. And their commitment to promoting the interests of shippers and other stakeholders in the maritime industry is truly commendable.

“The NSC has as ever before sustained the tradition of consultative engagement with industry operators, by regularly reaching out to stakeholders, including shipping companies, terminal operators, freight forwarders and other service providers, to cross fertilize ideas, promote trade facilitation and improve the industry’s operations”.

Nweke added that when the new NSC Bill is finally signed into law, the ports industry will witness even more transformation as the Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency with Akutah, will be better positioned with more powers to make significant contributions to the development of the maritime industry.
Nweke said, “ His experience, expertise, and passion for promoting the welfare of shippers make him the ideal person to lead this new agency.

“ By professional projection, the new agency is expected to help the industry perform better by providing a more effective regulatory framework, promoting competition, and ensuring that the interests of shippers and other stakeholders are protected.

“On internal administration and other concerns, I must candidly admit that Akutah has indeed prioritized staff welfare, human resources training, and development, as well as prompt representation of the Council at crucial industry events. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to the well-being and growth of his staff, recognizing that a happy and skilled team is essential to the success of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, though more is expected in this aspect, even though a function of sound funding of the Council.

“Under his leadership, the council has made significant strides in promoting a positive work environment, providing opportunities for professional development, and encouraging staff participation in industry events. For instance, he inaugurated a Disciplinary Committee for Senior and Junior Staff Associations, which is a testament to his emphasis on fairness, transparency, and accountability within the organization. “Without sounding sentimental, the NSC remains the stakeholders meeting point, where sundry maritime industry issues are easily resolved.

“For a particular mention, Akutah Pius Ukeyima Esq has been actively representing the council at various industry events, conferences, and seminars, where he has highlighted the importance of a strong legal framework for the Shippers’ Council as the nation’s Port Economic Regulator, and now this milestone is handy. His presence at these events has not only boosted the council’s visibility but also facilitated collaboration and knowledge sharing with other stakeholders in the maritime industry.

“The council’s annual reports, which are readily available on their website, also showcase the organization’s commitment to staff development and industry engagement. These reports provide a comprehensive overview of the council’s activities, achievements, and challenges, demonstrating Akutah Pius Ukeyima’s dedication to transparency and accountability.

“In conclusion, it’s clear that Akutah Pius Ukeyima Esq PhD has not compromised on staff welfare, human resources training, and development, or prompt representation of the council at crucial industry events. Instead, he has prioritized these aspects, recognizing their importance in driving the success of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the maritime industry as a whole.

“It is my candid view to posit that, Akutah Pius Ukeyima Esq PhD performance has been impressive, and his leadership is expected to continue to bring positive changes to the maritime and ports industry. His commitment to promoting efficiency, trade facilitation, and stakeholder engagement is commendable, and his ascension to the new role of NSPERA when passed into law is a welcome development for the industry”.

“I wish him and his management team and supporting staff best of luck as they stage to effectively enforce economic regulatory roles for the common good of all”.