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Nigerian Shippers Council, Shippers Towers, 4, Otunba Ayodele Soyode Lane, Lagos (2026)

02/06/2026

The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, joined other chief executives of federal government parastatals and agencies at the 14th Cohort of the Mandatory Training Programme for Chief Executive Officers organized by the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), Topo-Badagry, Lagos.

The participation of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s Chief Executive underscores the Council’s commitment to continuous learning, effective leadership, and the advancement of reforms aimed at improving Nigeria’s maritime and transport sectors.

27/05/2026

As we celebrate this year’s Sallah, Nigerian Shippers’ Council extends warm greetings and heartfelt felicitations to the esteemed maritime stakeholders, industry experts, partners, and the general public.

Sallah reminds us of the values of sacrifice, unity, compassion, and gratitude, we encourage everyone to embrace the spirit of togetherness, kindness, and mutual support that defines this special occasion.

We appreciate your continued partnership, dedication, and contributions to the growth and development of the maritime industry.

May the blessings of Eid bring prosperity, safe journeys, success, and abundant joy to you and your loved ones.

Eid Mubarak from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.

26/05/2026

Nigerian Shippers’ Council Showcases Port Regulatory Reforms at International Civil Service Conference

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has reaffirmed its commitment to driving efficiency, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory reforms in Nigeria’s port sector through its participation in the 2026 International Civil Service Conference Exhibition held in Abuja.

The conference, themed “Reforms, Resilience and Results,” brought together key stakeholders across the public service to discuss strategies for strengthening service delivery and promoting institutional reforms.

At the exhibition, the Council showcased its activities as Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator, highlighting its efforts in stakeholders’ engagement, sensitization programmes, and initiatives aimed at ensuring fair trade practices and operational efficiency within the nation’s ports.

Speaking during a visit to the Council’s exhibition stand, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Fatima Sugra Mahmood, commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for its sustained efforts in promoting fairness and efficiency in port operations.

She expressed satisfaction with the Council’s engagement with industry stakeholders and the effective articulation of its regulatory mandate during the exhibition.

The conference also served as a platform for discussions on public sector reforms and digital transformation in governance.

25/05/2026

Demonstrating the effective regulatory role of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, today swiftly intervened to resolve operational issues between SIFAX Group and AGL Logistics, concerning the berthing of a vessel operated by AGL Logistics

The Council’s intervention further reaffirmed the NSC’s commitment to seamless port operations, trade facilitation, and industrial harmony within the maritime sector.

The Council also emphasized the need for optimal utilization of terminal facilities and the protection of Nigeria’s maritime image through sustained collaboration among industry stakeholders.

The engagement concluded with a mutual resolution on cargo evacuation and improved operational synergy among the parties involved.

The Management of SIFAX and AGL, expressed their appreciation for the Council’s quick intervention and commended the NSC boss and the Council for their effective regulatory role.

18/05/2026

Shippers’ Council Pushes for Greater Port Efficiency Through Regulatory Reforms

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing operational efficiency at Nigerian ports through sustained regulatory reforms aimed at reducing costs, improving transparency, and boosting trade competitiveness.

The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shipper’s Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, stated this during the 25th Anniversary and Award Conferment Ceremony of Maritime Watch Newspaper held in Ikeja, Lagos. The event was themed: “Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Costs in Nigerian Ports Through Shippers’ Council’s Regulatory Framework.”

Presenting a lecture on behalf of the ES/CEO, the Deputy Director, Standard Services Division, Ms. Adaora Nwonu, highlighted the Council’s transformation from an agency established to protect shippers’ interests into Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator.

According to Dr. Akutah, the maritime sector remains a major driver of the nation’s economy, with ports serving as critical gateways for trade, investment, and economic growth.

He noted that efficient port operations play a significant role in lowering logistics costs, improving export performance, and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade. He explained that inefficiencies within the port system often result in delays, increased transaction costs, and reduced investor confidence, stressing the need for sustained reforms and stronger operational coordination among stakeholders.

The NSC Boss further stated that the Federal Government’s designation of the Council as Port Economic Regulator in 2015 has helped restore order, transparency, and fairness within the sector through regulatory interventions and stakeholder engagement.

He also highlighted several initiatives introduced to support trade facilitation and improve port operations, including the promotion of Inland Dry Ports, Vehicle Transit Areas, Border Information Centres, digitalisation of port processes, the National Single Window project, and the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Dr. Akutah emphasized the importance of digital integration, data sharing, and compliance among port stakeholders to achieve seamless operations and improved service delivery across the maritime industry.

Speaking with the Shipper, Ms. Adaora Nwonu stressed the importance of media partnership in driving awareness. “With the media’s wide reach, we need their support in disseminating our activities, reforms, and innovations to the public. This will keep stakeholders informed and provide valuable feedback that can help shape policies and decision-making for collective progress “ she said.

01/05/2026

As we commemorate Workers’ Day, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council proudly celebrates its dedicated staff and all workers across the maritime sector.

Today, we recognise and appreciate your invaluable contributions to the growth and efficiency of Nigeria’s maritime industry. Your professionalism, commitment, and resilience in advancing the Council’s port economic regulatory mandate and in keeping the sector moving are truly commendable.

In this spirit, the Council joins the entire maritime community in celebrating the collective efforts of all who continue to drive progress and excellence within the industry.

It is our sincere wish that this occasion brings renewed prosperity, fulfilment, and greater achievements to you and your endeavours.

Happy Workers’ Day.

30/04/2026

NSC, ACCI Forge Strategic Alliance to Boost Non-Oil Trade and Empower Exporters

The Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers' Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, has received the Director-General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) Mr. Agabaidu Chukwemeka Jideani and his team to forge a partnership and build stronger ties focused on fostering economic growth at the NSC Liaison Office, Abuja.

In his welcome address, the ES/CEO stated that the visit was driven by the common goal of transforming Nigeria’s port sector into a robust engine for non-oil economic growth. He emphasized that this was not merely a ceremonial gathering, but a call for practical steps towards growing the non-oil export and import sector through joint advocacy, capacity building, information sharing, export documentation and alternative Dispute Resolution.

The NSC Boss proposed a "symbiotic relationship" founded on joint advocacy to dismantle unfair shipping practices and trade barriers. Central to this partnership is a strong focus on capacity building and information sharing, with both organizations operating as data-driven entities to guide businesses and prevent them from losing money in foreign trades where they lack proper knowledge of their international partners.
He also highlighted plans to leverage the Cargo Defence Fund to train exporters on documentation, shipping contracts, and global best practices, addressing recurring issues like poor packaging that often lead to rejected shipments abroad.

To save businesses from "costly and expensive" legal delays, the Council offered its complaint handling platform as a non-adversarial alternative to court actions.

Looking towards the future, the ES/CEO proposed the establishment of an Abuja Shippers Association Booth at the September 2026 Trade Fair to provide local shippers with global market visibility.

He concluded by promising that ACCI members would have their complaints treated with "urgency" and, significantly, that the Chamber would always have "a seat at the table" when new policies affecting shippers are being discussed.

In response, the Director-General, ACCI, welcomed the partnership and outlined key initiatives for collaboration. He highlighted the Business Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre, which has trained over 500 exporters through international partnerships, noting that gaps in packaging and documentation often result in Nigerian goods being rebranded abroad. He proposed the Centre as a training hub for NSC, particularly for the northern region.

The DG also drew attention to the Chamber’s Dispute Resolution Centre, which provides mediation and arbitration services, as well as its Policy Advocacy Centre, which bridges the gap between government and the private sector.
To improve awareness, he called for clearer communication of NSC’s mandate, often confused with that of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council.

Further proposals included joint trade missions, policy dialogues across northern Nigeria, and creative advocacy initiatives, such as using metal art to promote awareness of the maritime sector.

The meeting concluded with Dr. Akutah directing the Head of the Abuja Liaison Office, Dr. Pauline Osasona, to establish a working team to drive implementation, beginning with training programmes and preparations for the 2026 Abuja International Trade Fair.

29/04/2026

Collaboration, Institutional Synergy Key to Driving Nigeria’s Non-Oil Export Growth – Akutah

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, MON, has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration and institutional synergy to drive Nigeria’s non-oil export growth.

Speaking at a one-day National Export Efficiency Stakeholders’ Roundtable in Lagos, themed “Building an Efficient Non-Oil Export Ecosystem: Addressing Port, Shipping and Logistics Challenges for Sustainable Growth,” Dr. Akutah who was represented by the Director, Strategic Planning and Research, Mr. Rotimi Anifowose, called for deeper partnerships among stakeholders.
He noted that the forum was designed to foster constructive engagement, align processes, and develop practical solutions to eliminate bottlenecks across the export value chain.

Dr. Akutah emphasized the Council’s commitment, as the nation’s Port Economic Regulator, to promoting transparency, fairness, and efficiency in port and shipping operations.

On the need for sustainable economic growth, the Director, Special Duties Department, Mr. Moses Abere, represented by the Deputy Director, Synergy and Collaboration, Mrs. Austina Ogbonnaya emphasized the importance of reducing bottlenecks that hinder exporters, improving competitiveness, and enhancing efficiency across the maritime value chain.
Central to these efforts is the implementation of the National Single Window project, aimed at automating port processes, reducing delays, improving transparency, and promoting seamless trade operations.

In his presentation, the Founder and CEO of Multi-mix Academy, Dr. Obiora Madu, identified five critical pillars for non-oil export efficiency: corridor efficiency, port productivity, shipping connectivity, trade documentation, and access to export finance. He also advocated the establishment of a National Export Logistics Coordination Platform.

The roundtable featured a panel session with representatives from key agencies, including the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, NACCIMA, the Nigeria Police Force, and NAGAFF.

Participants commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for organizing the Roundtable and reaffirmed support for its continued leadership in policy advocacy, stakeholder coordination, and trade facilitation.
The meeting concluded that the development of an efficient non‑oil export ecosystem is achievable through collective accountability, sustained investment in infrastructure, and unwavering commitment to digital transformation and procedural transparency.

27/04/2026

It was a moment of pride and well-deserved recognition as Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers Council, was honored with the Lifetime Achievement and Impact Award by the National Alumni Association of Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

The honour was conferred in Abuja during a landmark celebration marking the university’s 25th anniversary, an event that also paid glowing tribute to the institution’s founder and first Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, His Excellency, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, CON.

Serving as Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Akutah highlighted the strategic location of Nasarawa State, which makes NSUK accessible to students from across neighbouring states and the FCT, thereby promoting diversity and inclusiveness.

He further emphasized the need for sustained investment to position the university as a true citadel of learning.

Highlighting recent developments, the ES/CEO pointed to the commissioning of the university’s Secretariat as a significant milestone, signalling a new phase of growth and institutional advancement. He also called on alumni to take a more active role in supporting the university’s continued progress.

Dr. Akutah concluded by expressing deep appreciation to the Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Sa’adatu Hassan Liman, and the entire academic community for their dedication to excellence.

21/04/2026

Shippers’ Council, House Committee on Shipping Services Deepen Stakeholder Engagement on Tariffs and Port Efficiency

The House Committee on Shipping Services and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council have intensified engagement with key industry stakeholders to address growing concerns over tariff demands by service providers and broader operational challenges within the maritime sector.

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the House Committee on Shipping Services, Hon. Abdussamad Dasuki, noted that the meeting builds on earlier discussions with the Shipping Association of Nigeria, which had sought the Committee’s intervention on critical industry issues. He described the engagement as a strategic platform aimed at balancing the interests of port users and service providers while fostering sustainable sector growth.

Speaking at the session, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, reaffirmed the Council’s approval of a 30 percent tariff increase for shipping lines following extensive stakeholder consultations. He explained that although the increase had previously been suspended, it remains the maximum allowable adjustment and will be implemented gradually, subject to further engagement between shipping companies and their customers.

Dr. Akutah emphasized that the review became necessary after more than two years without any tariff adjustments, despite rising operational costs across the industry. While acknowledging concerns from some stakeholders that the 30 percent cap falls below current inflation levels, he maintained that the decision reflects a careful balance between industry sustainability and the broader economic interest.

He further disclosed that the Council is developing an automated tariff system designed to align future pricing adjustments with prevailing economic indicators such as inflation and exchange rate fluctuations. According to him, the initiative will promote greater transparency, predictability, and flexibility in the maritime pricing framework.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Shipping Association of Nigeria(SAN), Boma Alabi, OON, commended the National Assembly Committee on Shipping Services for its proactive engagement and responsiveness following earlier deliberations at the National Assembly.

She highlighted key operational challenges affecting the sector, noting that these issues continue to impact vessel turnaround time and overall port efficiency. She called for enhanced port security, stronger inter-agency collaboration, and a clearly defined responsibility framework to prevent undue liabilities on shipping companies.

Alabi reiterated the Association’s commitment to supporting policies and operational practices that will improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness as a leading maritime nation.

The meeting drew participation from a broad spectrum of industry stakeholders, including the Shippers Association, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA), Shipping Companies, Africa Association of Professional Freight Forwarders, Logistics (APFFLON) and other key players across the maritime value chain, underscoring the collective commitment to resolving the issues at hand.

At the close of the session, the House Committee on Shipping Services urged the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to convene a follow-up meeting within one week, bringing together all critical stakeholders with clearly defined timelines. The Committee also called on shipping companies to intensify consultations with stakeholders to fast-track consensus and ensure the smooth implementation of agreed resolutions.

Nigerian Shippers Council

02/06/2026

27/05/2026

26/05/2026

25/05/2026

18/05/2026

01/05/2026

30/04/2026

29/04/2026

27/04/2026

21/04/2026

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Monday	08:00 - 16:00
Tuesday	08:00 - 16:00
Wednesday	08:00 - 16:00
Thursday	08:00 - 16:00
Friday	08:00 - 16:00