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

25/08/2026

Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and peaceful celebration.

Happy Eid El-Maulud.

24/08/2026

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s Eastern ports to reduce pressure on Lagos and achieve a more balanced port system.

Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, stated this in his keynote address at the League of Maritime Editor's Annual General Meeting and Conference in Lagos, held under the theme “Lagos/Eastern Ports: How to Reverse Existing Imbalance in Disproportionate Cargo Vessel Calls.”

Represented by the Ministry’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mrs. Anastasia Ogbonna, the Minister said the under-utilisation of Onne, Calabar and Port Harcourt ports was increasing logistics costs and limiting supply-chain efficiency.
He said government would continue to invest in port modernisation, navigation, security, digitalisation and connectivity, stressing that Lagos and the Eastern ports should complement one another to improve trade and Nigeria’s maritime competitiveness.

Speaking at the event, the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), Dr. Pius Akutah, MON, represented by the Deputy Director, Standard Services Division, Ms. Adaora Nwonu, said cargo distribution across Nigerian ports should be driven by competition and commercial considerations rather than administrative allocation.

Akutah said cargo owners and shipping lines should be allowed to choose ports based on factors including cost, efficiency, connectivity, reliability, security and quality of service.

He noted that the concentration of cargo in Lagos had increased congestion, raised logistics costs and placed additional pressure on road infrastructure, while depriving other regions of the economic opportunities associated with maritime trade.
To reverse the trend, he called for increased investment in road, rail, inland waterways and inland dry ports to establish efficient cargo corridors linking seaports with cargo destinations across the country.

The NPERA Chief also stressed the importance of digitalisation and transparent port-performance data, including vessel waiting time, cargo dwell time, terminal turnaround time, port charges and logistics costs.
He said access to reliable performance data would enable cargo owners and other users of the port system to make informed decisions and encourage healthy competition among Nigerian ports.

Akutah proposed the establishment of a National Port Competitiveness Index and a National Cargo Distribution Strategy, which would recognise and leverage the comparative advantages of individual ports.

He urged key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs Service, shipping lines, terminal operators, state governments and private investors, to collaborate in removing the infrastructural, operational and regulatory barriers hindering the effective utilisation of Nigeria’s ports.

Speaking earlier, the President of LOME, Remi Itie, called for greater attention to issues that affect the overall development and sustainability of the maritime sector.

22/08/2026

Akutah Tasks NPERA Staff on New Regulatory Mandate, Says Agency Key to $1tn Economy Drive.

The Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency, (NPERA), Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, has urged staff to embrace the culture of commitment, and professionalism as the Agency commences operations under its new statutory mandate as Nigeria’s ports economic regulator.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with staff at the Agency’s headquarters in Lagos, Dr. Akutah said the transition from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to NPERA demands a shift in both work culture and operational mindsets to deliver effective economic regulation across the nation’s ports.

The meeting marked one of Management's first major engagements with employees following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s assent to the NPERA Act, 2026.

Akutah described the legislation as a milestone for Nigeria’s maritime sector, saying it strengthened the Agency’s powers to curb unethical practices, improve port efficiency and enhance the country’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.

“The NPERA Act has strengthened our regulatory powers to institute effective regulation at the ports. With this mandate, we are positioned to drive efficiency, transparency and competitiveness in the port sector” he said.

He added that the Agency’s expanded responsibilities would contribute significantly to the Federal Government’s ambition of building a $ 1 trillion economy by creating a more predictable and efficient, business-friendly port environment.

The DG commended President Tinubu for signing the bill into law, describing the Act as the long-awaited legal framework needed to reposition the Agency as a full-fledged economic regulator.

He also commended the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, for providing leadership and fostering stakeholder consensus that facilitated the passage of the legislation.
Akutah also expressed appreciation to the National Assembly for enacting the law..

The DG assured stakeholders that NPERA would work closely with sister agencies, particularly the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), to deepen reforms and improve service delivery across the maritime sector.
He stressed that the new law does not create institutional rivalry but clearly defines NPERA’s role as the economic regulator of port activities.

“NPERA is to promote a healthy sector that will grow the economy of Nigeria,” he said.

The NPERA Act establishes the former Nigerian Shippers’ Council as a statutory economic regulator with a broader mandate to regulate tariffs and charges, enforce service standards, promote fair competition, facilitate trade, and resolve commercial disputes within Nigeria’s ports industry.

19/08/2026

NPERA Takes Off, Promises New Era Of Port Regulation.

Nigeria’s port sector has entered a new regulatory era, with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council formally transitioning into the Nigeria Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA).

The transition follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's (GCFR) assent to Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Agency Act, 2026, establishing the Agency as the statutory authority responsible for the economic regulation of the ports in the country.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos, Chairman of the NPERA Governing Board, Dr. Ibrahim Shema, CON, described the development as a major institutional reform that is aimed at creating a more transparent, predictable, and competitive port environment.

He added that NPERA will be responsible for the economic regulation of port services and related activities, including tariffs and charges, licensing, service standards, fair competition, commercial dispute resolution, trade facilitation and protection of port users.

Dr. Shema said the new framework is expected to provide greater regulatory certainty for Shipping Lines and Terminal Operators, while offering Importers, Exporters, Freight Forwarders and Clearing Agents more predictable procedures, fairer charges and improved mechanisms for resolving disputes.

He also clarified that the establishment of NPERA does not create a competing authority with the Nigerian Ports Authority. While the Nigerian Ports Authority will retain responsibility for port infrastructure and its landlord functions, NPERA will provide independent economic oversight within its statutory mandate.

The Board Chairman said the Agency's regulatory approach will be anchored on five principles: transparency, fairness, predictability, efficiency, and accountability.

He added that NPERA would deploy technology and data to strengthen licensing, tariff administration, monitoring, compliance, reporting, and stakeholder engagement.

The agency also plans to work with key maritime institutions, including the Nigerian Ports Authority, NIMASA and the Nigeria Customs Service, as well as terminal operators, shipping lines, freight forwarders, manufacturers, investors and other industry stakeholders.

Dr. Shema said the immediate priority is to ensure an orderly transition from the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to NPERA, while maintaining continuity in essential regulatory functions and preserving institutional knowledge.

He stressed that the success of the new agency would ultimately be measured by its impact on port users and the wider economy.

According to him, effective implementation of the Act should translate into better services, greater efficiency, lower uncertainty, fair competition, and stronger trade facilitation.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NPERA, Dr. Akutah Pius (MON), speaking at the event, expressed optimism that the new law would significantly clarify the regulatory environment governing Nigeria’s ports within the next one or two years.

He stated that the NPERA act will give the agency stronger powers to improve commercial dispute resolution and protect the interests and welfare of the port users and other stakeholders

He added that with the new regulatory framework, the agency will deliver a more efficient, transparent, and competitive Nigerian port system.

The transition marks the culmination of years of efforts to establish a permanent statutory economic regulator for Nigeria’s ports.

With NPERA now taking the helm, attention shifts from the passage of the law to its implementation.

05/08/2026

SHIPPERS' COUNCIL SEEKS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS WITH PROVIDUS UNITY BANK TO DRIVE $1 TRILLION ECONOMY GOAL

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has moved to deepen collaboration with financial institutions to unlock funding, bridge infrastructure gaps, and strengthen the maritime sector's contribution to Nigeria’s ambition of building a $1 trillion economy by 2030.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, MON, stated this when officials of Providus Unity Bank paid a courtesy visit to the Council’s headquarters in Lagos.

Dr. Akutah stressed the Council’s statutory role as the Port Economic Regulator, emphasizing its responsibility to promote efficiency, competitiveness, and ease of doing business across Nigeria’s port and maritime sector.

He noted that the maritime industry remains the backbone of the nation’s trade, accounting for about 90% of Nigeria’s international trade activities and playing a vital role in economic growth.

"We have a Presidential mandate to work with all sectors of the economy to ensure that by 2030 we achieve the Trillion Dollar goal. Without the ports, there will be no sector of the economy," he said.

The NSC boss disclosed that the Council’s regulatory interventions over the past two years have helped prevent over $90 billion in capital flight arising from excessive cargo-related charges, highlighting the impact of effective port economic regulation.

While acknowledging Nigeria’s significant infrastructure assets, Dr. Akutah observed that the sector still faces financing and capacity challenges, stressing the need for partnerships that combine access to capital with technical expertise.

"We are looking for partners. The SMEs are a very crucial component. We are ready to broker relationships between banks and importers, exporters, and SMEs who have potential to grow the economy," he added.

He said the Council would create a platform for sustained engagement with Providus Unity Bank to explore practical areas of collaboration that would support investment and growth within the maritime sector.

Earlier, the Head of Business Development at Providus Unity Bank, Mr. Ernest Elue, said the visit sought to explore strategic collaboration with the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and other stakeholders in the maritime ecosystem.

He expressed the bank’s readiness to provide financial support for capital-intensive maritime projects, including Inland Dry Ports and Vehicle Transit Areas, through tailored financing solutions for project concessionaires.

Mr. Elue added that the bank is committed to designing flexible financial products that will meet the needs of corporate organisations as well as individual members of unions and cooperatives operating within the maritime value chain.

The proposed partnership is expected to deepen access to finance for critical maritime infrastructure, support small and medium-scale enterprises, and enhance the sector’s capacity to contribute more significantly to national economic development.

03/08/2026

Oyetola's Reforms Position Marine and Blue Economy for Greater Investment, Economic Growth – Akutah

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, MON, has said that the ongoing reforms championed by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, are repositioning Nigeria's marine and blue economy as a major destination for investment and a key driver of national economic growth through increased foreign investment.

He made this known while receiving members of the League of Maritime Editors (LOMÉ), who paid him a courtesy visit at the Council’s headquarters in Apapa, Lagos.

Akutah stated that the Minister’s reform agenda is focused on transforming the maritime sector into a globally competitive industry capable of attracting investment, creating jobs, and contributing significantly to Nigeria’s economic development.

According to him, the reforms being championed by the Minister are already yielding significant results, with major international investors demonstrating renewed confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector.

He explained that the Minister has made attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), a key priority, in line with the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda of deepening relations across strategic sectors and stimulating sustainable economic growth.

He cited the recent investment announcement by APM Terminals as evidence of the growing investor confidence in the sector.

“We can see what APM Terminals is doing in terms of the investment profile they are bringing. The Managing Director has already announced a $100 million investment portfolio coming into the country. These are clear indicators that the reforms are working, alongside several other ongoing port reform initiatives” he added.

The NSC boss also reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to maintaining an open-door policy and strengthening collaboration with the maritime media as part of efforts to advance reforms in Nigeria's marine and blue economy.

Akutah said that the Council would continue to engage openly with the media, describing journalists as indispensable partners in promoting transparency, public enlightenment, and the successful implementation of government policies in the maritime sector.

He noted that the media plays a vital role in communicating the Council's regulatory activities and the Federal Government's reform initiatives, thereby fostering stakeholder confidence and supporting efforts to attract foreign direct investment into the marine and blue economy.

"We value the media because it provides the platform for Nigerians and the global community to understand what we are doing. We can not achieve that alone. Our doors will remain open as we continue to build a stronger partnership with the media," he said.

The Executive Secretary commended the League of Maritime Editors for its professionalism, consistency, and contributions to maritime journalism, assuring the association of the Council's continued support and cooperation.

He reiterated the Council's commitment to implementing the Federal Government's policies aimed at improving port efficiency, enhancing competitiveness, and creating a more business-friendly environment for port users and investors.

Earlier, the President of the League of Maritime Editors, Mrs. Remi Itie, said the visit was to strengthen the longstanding relationship between the association and the Nigerian Shippers' Council, as well as to invite the Executive Secretary to the League's forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).

She pledged the association's continued commitment to objective and professional reporting that supports the growth and development of Nigeria's maritime industry.

31/07/2026

NSC, Kebbi State Govt. Partner on Tsamiya Inland Dry Port, Vehicle Transit Park to Unlock Trade, Economic Growth in North-West

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, and Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, have reaffirmed their commitment to the development of the proposed Tsamiya Inland Dry Port and Vehicle Transit Park, describing the projects as strategic infrastructure that will transform trade, create jobs and stimulate economic growth across Nigeria's North-West and neighbouring West African countries.

The commitment was made during a strategic meeting between the NSC management, promoters of the Tsamiya Inland Dry Port project and the Kebbi State Government in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State.

Speaking at the meeting, Akutah disclosed that the proposed Tsamiya Inland Dry Port project in Bagudo Local Government Area of Kebbi State is expected to open a new chapter for trade and logistics in Nigeria's North-West as the Nigerian Shippers' Council intensifies efforts to bring the project to fruition.

Beyond providing an inland cargo handling facility, the project he said is projected to stimulate economic activities, create employment opportunities, improve cargo movement and strengthen cross-border trade along the Nigeria–Benin Republic corridor, while enhancing commercial links with neighbouring Niger Republic.

According to Dr. Akutah, the Inland Dry Port forms part of the Federal Government's broader agenda to decentralise port services by extending shipping and logistics operations to the hinterland. He explained that the initiative will reduce pressure on the nation's seaports, improve the efficiency of cargo distribution, and make international trade more accessible to businesses operating far from the coastal ports.

He noted that Kebbi State occupies a strategic position within the regional trade network, making the Tsamiya Inland Dry Port a critical infrastructure for facilitating the movement of imports and exports, supporting agricultural and industrial value chains, and strengthening Nigeria's trade connectivity with neighbouring countries.

Dr. Akutah stressed that unlocking the economic potential of the trade corridor requires modern logistics infrastructure capable of supporting the growing volume of cargo and commercial activities expected within the region.

Responding, the Kebbi State Governor, H.E Governor Nasir Idris expressed appreciation to Nigerian Shippers' Council and the project promoters for their commitment to advancing the initiative.

He affirmed that the Tsamiya Inland Dry Port aligns with his administration's policy of developing inland dry ports across Kebbi State to boost Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), stimulate economic activities and create employment opportunities for the people of the state.

The Governor also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the Renewed Hope Agenda, describing its strong emphasis on infrastructure development as a critical driver of economic transformation. He further highlighted ongoing Federal Government projects in the state, including the construction of the Illela–Badagry Super Highway, which is expected to improve connectivity, facilitate trade and complement the operations of the proposed Inland Dry Port.

Governor Idris assured the delegation that security arrangements are also being strengthened to support the successful implementation of the project. According to him, the Federal Government is constructing Army Barracks and a Police Post along the project corridor to enhance security, safeguard investments, and ensure the safe movement of goods and persons within the area.

As part of the broader logistics ecosystem, the Executive Secretary, while speaking with journalists, also announced plans for the development of a Vehicle Transit Park along the Lagos–Sokoto Super Highway. He explained that the facility will provide a secure and organised environment where truck drivers can rest, refuel, and access essential services while in transit.

The Transit Park is also expected to improve road safety, reduce travel delays, enhance the efficiency of freight movement and stimulate economic activities through the emergence of businesses, and support services around the facility.

Providing an update on the implementation process, Dr. Akutah disclosed that promoters of the Tsamiya Inland Dry Port Project have submitted the required documentation to the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), where the application is currently undergoing processing.

He expressed optimism that once the Certificate of Compliance is issued by the Commission, the Nigerian Shippers' Council will immediately advance the next phase of the project towards commencement.

The meeting with Governor Nasir Idris followed an earlier inspection of the proposed project site by officials of the Nigerian Shippers' Council, emphasizing the Council's commitment to ensuring that all regulatory and procedural requirements are completed ahead of the project's take-off.

The Tsamiya Inland Dry Port is one of several inland port initiatives being promoted by the Nigerian Shippers' Council to expand access to port services, reduce logistics costs, promote regional integration and support the Federal Government's vision of building an efficient, multimodal transport system capable of driving sustainable economic growth.

27/07/2026

Highlights of the Opening Ceremony of the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges.

24/07/2026

NSC Seeks Stronger Inter-Agency Collaboration to Reduce Cargo Delays, Boost Port Efficiency
Says Proposed Port Economic Regulatory Law Will Address Operational Bottlenecks

The Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) has called for stronger collaboration among government agencies operating at the nation's seaports to eliminate cargo clearance delays, reduce cargo damage, and minimise the legal and financial disputes arising from prolonged port operations.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, made the call while speaking during a technical session at the ongoing 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja.

Responding to discussions on the consequences of cargo delays and their legal and financial implications, Dr. Akutah stressed that greater synergy among regulatory agencies is essential to improving operational efficiency across Nigeria's ports.

He acknowledged that inefficiencies resulting from weak inter-agency coordination have continued to pose significant challenges to the nation's shipping industry, leading to avoidable delays, increased costs, cargo deterioration, and protracted litigation.

Dr. Akutah noted that while some legal experts at the seminar advocated for legislation to protect port terminal operators operating under concession agreements, the proposed Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill, which designates the Nigerian Shippers' Council as the statutory Port Economic Regulator, is expected to provide the regulatory framework needed to address many of the operational and commercial challenges affecting port services and cargo clearance in Nigeria.
According to him, the proposed legislation will strengthen economic regulation within the port sector, promote efficiency, enhance accountability, and create a more predictable business environment for investors and port users.

The NSC boss also highlighted the importance of the International Maritime Seminar for Judges, describing it as a critical platform for strengthening judicial capacity in maritime law and improving the resolution of maritime disputes.
"The importance of maritime cases cannot be overemphasised. This seminar provides an important opportunity for judges handling maritime matters to deepen their knowledge while enabling stakeholders to identify areas requiring improvement for the growth of the sector," he said.

He added that sustained engagement between the judiciary and maritime stakeholders would further support the development of Nigeria's maritime industry by promoting faster and more efficient dispute resolution.

Dr. Akutah observed that delays in the adjudication of maritime cases discourage investment and undermine confidence in the nation's judicial system.

“No investor will bring capital into a country where there is no confidence in the judicial system. Maritime disputes are often complex, time-consuming and expensive to resolve. One of the key objectives of this seminar is to promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms that will ensure quicker settlement of maritime disputes and inspire investor confidence in Nigeria's maritime sector," he stated.

Earlier during the technical session, legal and maritime experts called for a robust legal framework to better protect terminal operators under Nigeria's port concession regime while also ensuring a fair balance between the rights of investors, service providers and port users.

The 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, organised by the Nigerian Shippers' Council in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), continues to provide a platform for dialogue on contemporary maritime legal issues aimed at strengthening Nigeria's maritime justice system and improving the ease of doing business in the country's port sector.

23/07/2026

The Federal government has stressed the need for stronger collaboration among the judiciary, government institutions, and maritime stakeholders to advance maritime Justice and unlock the full potential of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.

Speaking at the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI) in Abuja, the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s maritime legal framework through institutional reforms, judicial capacity building and international cooperation.

Senator Akume who is also the chairman of the occasion described the seminar as one of Africa’s foremost platforms for judicial learning.

He noted that the event promotes the harmonization of maritime law, enhances commercial disputes resolution and position Nigeria as a competitive player in global maritime trade.

He said that a credible, efficient, and expert maritime justice system is not peripheral to that ambition. It is foundational to it. No investor will commit capital to a maritime venture in Nigeria if they cannot trust that contractual disputes will be resolved fairly and swiftly.

In his address, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, described the seminar as a vital platform for enhancing the knowledge of judicial officers on maritime law and improving the administration of justice within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Oyetola explained that the rapid evolution of maritime technology was creating unprecedented legal questions around liability, navigational responsibility, insurance, collision regulations and the allocation of responsibility when autonomous vessels or their systems fail.

He said the growing international focus on maritime decarbonisation and environmental responsibility would also generate increasingly complex disputes over environmental liability, pollution damage, regulatory enforcement and compliance with evolving international standards, urging judges to approach such cases with sound legal reasoning, scientific understanding, and awareness of emerging international jurisprudence.

Oyetola reiterated that the Federal Government would support the expansion of specialised maritime divisions within the Federal High Court, align domestic legislation with contemporary international maritime conventions and promote robust alternative dispute-resolution mechanisms, particularly maritime arbitration.

Declaring the seminar opened, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, GCON, said that the maritime sector serves as a vital channel for the movement of goods and services, facilitates international trade, supports economic growth and contributes significantly to employment and national revenue.

The Chief Justice further emphasised the importance of effective and prompt dispensation of admiralty justice, noting that maritime disputes often involve complex, time-sensitive and cross-border transactions.

She stressed that delays in resolving such disputes could disrupt commercial operations, increase costs, undermine investor confidence and affect the smooth functioning of the maritime industry.

In his remarks, the Chairman, Nigerian Shippers’ Council Governing Board, His Excellency Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema CON said that the Council remains committed to fostering collaboration with the judiciary, regulators and industry stakeholders to promote efficiency, trade facilitation and investors confidence

He added that continuous judicial education and the effective administration of maritime justice are essential to addressing emerging challenges in global trade and ensuring sustainable growth of the maritime sector.

In his vote of thanks, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, expressed profound appreciation to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing the opportunity to diversify Nigeria’s economy through the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and for resuscitating the ministries within the sector.

The NSC boss also showed gratitude to all participants for honouring the invitations and being present at the event.

Nigerian Shippers Council

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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