Shippers’ Council: Our Resolve Is to Go Beyond Regulation to Transparent, Competitive and Investment-Friendly Maritime Economy – Akuta

*Saves shippers from paying over ₦90.60 bn and US$1.348mn unjustified demurrage at ports

By Francis Ugwoke
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has said that it is looking beyond port economic regulation to building a more transparent, competitive and investment-friendly maritime economy in Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, told newsmen on Saturday that the agency is determined to ensure that the maritime economic environment delivers measurable value to businesses, consumers and the nation.
Akutah said this remains the new phase of institutional growth which the Council is focusing on currently.
He said, “Since assuming office in November 2023, the Management of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), under my leadership, has pursued a focused reform agenda to strengthen the Council’s role as Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator and reposition it as a modern, efficient and globally competitive institution.
“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 Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, the Council has delivered measurable progress in economic regulation, consumer protection, trade facilitation, digital transformation, institutional renewal and stakeholder engagement”.
Rolling out the achievements of the Council in the past three years he assumed office, Akutah disclosed that the agency has all along embarked on “ effective regulation, institutional excellence, trade facilitation and national economic development”.
Among the achievements, he identified, include protection of over ₦90.60 bn and US$1.348mn in economic value for Nigerian shippers and the national economy.

He told newsmen “ The Council also achieved major institutional milestones, including the passage of the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill by both Chambers of the National Assembly, approval of its statutory funding mechanism through the 2025 Appropriation Act, active participation in the National Single Window Project and resolution of key issues delaying implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN).
“These reforms are improving regulatory certainty, reducing the cost of doing business and supporting the Federal Government’s vision of building a US$1 trillion economy by 2030”.

Akutah’s speech delivered during the luncheon with newsmen reads:
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS AT A GLANCE
• Prevented over ₦86.06 billion in unjustified demurrage payments.
• Saved Nigerian shippers more than ₦4.54 billion and US$1.348 million through ADR and regulatory interventions.
• Received 558 complaints and resolved 295 commercial disputes.
• Harmonised bonded terminal invoice charges from 18 charge categories to 6.
• Facilitated passage of the NPERA Bill, now awaiting Presidential Assent.
• Secured statutory funding for the Council for the first time since 1978.
• Advanced implementation of the National Single Window and ICTN.
• Deployed the Enterprise Content Management System and introduced the Leadership and Succession Planning Project.
• Substantially concluded preparations for the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges.
LEGISLATIVE, REGULATORY AND TRADE REFORMS
The passage of the NPERA Bill by both Chambers of the National Assembly represents a landmark reform in Nigeria’s maritime sector. Once assented to, the legislation will establish an independent Port Economic Regulator with enhanced powers to regulate tariffs, service standards, competition and commercial conduct, thereby strengthening transparency and investor confidence across the port industry.
Another significant milestone is the approval of the Council’s statutory funding mechanism, captured in the 2025 Appropriation Act for the first time since the Council’s establishment in 1978. This provides a sustainable framework for effective regulation, with collection to be integrated into the National Single Window platform.
The Council has actively supported the National Single Window Project, which is expected to simplify cargo clearance, improve coordination among government agencies and reduce the time and cost of doing business at Nigerian ports.
Similarly, outstanding issues delaying implementation of the ICTN have been resolved. Once operational, the ICTN will strengthen cargo visibility, improve trade intelligence, enhance supply chain security and support regulatory compliance.
PORT ECONOMIC REGULATION AND CONSUMER PROTECTION
As Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator, the Council has continued to promote fairness, transparency and efficiency in port operations through effective economic regulation and consumer protection.
During the period under review, the Council reviewed and approved tariff requests for shipping companies, terminal operators and Inland Dry Ports after rigorous regulatory assessment. It also continued to confirm the reasonableness of freight rates, charter party fees and vessel demurrage for foreign exchange transactions, as well as freight charges on export cargoes, thereby supporting transparency and helping to curb capital flight.
To improve pricing transparency, terminal operators were directed to publicly display approved tariffs, while shipping companies were required to establish holding bays outside the ports to facilitate the return of empty containers and reduce congestion along port access roads.
The Council also abolished unauthorised surcharges introduced by some shipping lines, developed minimum service standards for shipping companies and terminal operators, and collaborated with the Nigerian Ports Authority and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to assess compliance with Port Concession Agreements and Key Performance Indicators.
A major achievement was the prevention of over ₦86.06 billion in unjustified demurrage payments through regulatory oversight. The Council also harmonised bonded terminal invoice charges, reducing charge categories from 18 to 6, thereby eliminating duplication and improving billing transparency.
Through stakeholder engagement and collaboration with key regulatory agencies, including the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission and the Nigeria Customs Service, the Council has deepened compliance and reinforced confidence in Nigeria’s port regulatory framework.
The Council also facilitated a landmark Collective Bargaining Agreement between the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria and employers in the shipping industry, resulting in a new ₦200,000 minimum wage for junior workers after almost two decades of negotiations. Discussions on an agreement for senior staff are at an advanced stage.
ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION
Alternative Dispute Resolution remains one of the Council’s most effective mechanisms for protecting Nigerian shippers and reducing the cost of doing business.
Between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the second quarter of 2026, the Council received 558 complaints, resolved 295 cases and secured savings exceeding ₦4.54 billion and US$1.348 million. The disputes covered container deposits, demurrage, detention charges, terminal charges, cargo claims, export fraud and related commercial matters.
The Council also concluded out-of-court settlements involving APM Terminals Nigeria Limited, CMA CGM and Maersk Nigeria Limited in matters arising from charges paid above approved tariffs. These interventions protected Nigerian shippers, reduced litigation and reinforced confidence in the Council’s dispute resolution framework.
TRADE FACILITATION AND STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE
The Council continues to promote an integrated multimodal transport system through the development of Inland Dry Ports, Vehicle Transit Areas and Border Information Centres.
Operational Inland Dry Ports in Kaduna, Kano and Funtua continue to improve cargo movement, support customs operations and stimulate economic activity in inland regions. Vehicle Transit Areas complement this strategy by supporting orderly movement and temporary storage of imported vehicles outside congested port environments.
The Border Information Centre Programme is also being expanded. Following the completion of the Idiroko Centre in Ogun State, work is advancing on new Centres in Jigawa, Benue, Borno and Kebbi States, while existing Centres along Nigeria’s major border corridors are being upgraded.
Following the destruction of the Jibia Centre by a heavy rainstorm in June 2026, the Council prioritised its reconstruction as part of its infrastructure renewal programme. To provide more sustainable facilities, the Council has commenced engagement with State Governments for land to develop permanent Border Information Centre complexes.
These facilities will improve trade information services, strengthen regulatory coordination and support legitimate cross-border trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area, while reducing logistics bottlenecks and positioning Nigeria as a preferred maritime and logistics hub in West and Central Africa.
INSTITUTIONAL TRANSFORMATION AND HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT
The Council has continued to implement internal reforms aimed at building a modern, technology-driven and high-performing regulatory institution.
A major milestone is the deployment of the Enterprise Content Management System, which has transformed records and document management through the digitisation of thousands of legacy files, automation of workflows, improved document security and faster retrieval of official records. This has reduced dependence on paper-based processes and improved operational efficiency.
The Council has also strengthened its Performance Management System by aligning individual targets with institutional goals, while prioritising local and international training, professional certification, workforce planning and competency-based deployment.
A key initiative introduced during the period is the Leadership and Succession Planning Project, designed to identify and prepare future leaders for critical management positions. This is supported by the Middle Management Leadership Retreat, which is equipping emerging leaders with strategic, managerial and leadership competencies.
Staff welfare has also been enhanced through timely promotion exercises, confirmation of appointments, career progression, recognition of long-serving officers, retirement appreciation programmes and improved communication between Management and staff. As part of preparations for the transition to NPERA, Management has undertaken organisational restructuring, reviewed departmental functions, strengthened HR governance, updated HR policies and reinforced compliance with Public Service Rules.
INTERNATIONAL ENGAGEMENT AND MARITIME JURISPRUDENCE
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains committed to strengthening maritime jurisprudence as a foundation for a modern, efficient and globally competitive maritime industry.
In July 2024, the Council successfully hosted the 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja under the theme, “Navigating the Intersection of Admiralty Law and Environmental Sustainability: Charting a Course for Nigeria’s Blue Economy.” The seminar brought together judicial officers, maritime law practitioners, regulators, academics and industry stakeholders to deliberate on emerging legal issues affecting the maritime sector.
Building on that success, the Council is fully prepared to host the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, scheduled to hold from 22 to 24 July 2026 in Abuja. Organised in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute and the Nigerian Maritime Law Association, the seminar will bring together Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, Federal and State High Courts, senior maritime law practitioners, academics, regulators and maritime experts from Nigeria and other African countries.
Invitations have also been extended to the Chief Justices of Ghana, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Kenya. The seminar will promote legal certainty, support harmonisation of maritime business laws, strengthen investor confidence and advance the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Preparations have been substantially concluded, with venue, logistics and faculty arrangements in place.
STRATEGIC OUTLOOK
Going forward, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council will continue to deepen port economic regulation, strengthen consumer protection, accelerate digital transformation, expand trade facilitation infrastructure and promote multimodal transport.
The Council will support the implementation of the National Single Window and the International Cargo Tracking Note, while consolidating the transition to the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency once the NPERA Bill receives Presidential Assent.
Priority will also be given to the development of permanent Border Information Centre facilities, leadership development, succession planning, workforce transformation and stronger collaboration with stakeholders across the maritime value chain.
Our objective is clear: to build a transparent, efficient and globally competitive port economic regulatory system that protects Nigerian shippers, promotes fair competition, improves port efficiency, attracts investment and supports Nigeria’s emergence as the leading maritime and logistics gateway in West and Central Africa.
CONCLUSION
The achievements recorded since November 2023 demonstrate the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s commitment to effective regulation, institutional excellence, trade facilitation and national economic development.
The Council is entering a new phase of institutional growth. Our focus is not only to regulate the port environment, but to help build a more transparent, competitive and investment-friendly maritime economy that delivers measurable value to businesses, consumers and the nation.
We will continue to work closely with government, industry stakeholders, development partners and the media to sustain these reforms and ensure that Nigeria fully harnesses the enormous opportunities in the Marine and Blue Economy.
The Council deeply appreciates the enduring partnership of the maritime media. Your role in informing the public, educating stakeholders and promoting accountability remains vital to the growth of the maritime sector.
We remain committed to transparency, constructive engagement and continued partnership as we work together to build a stronger, more competitive and globally respected maritime

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