NSC Seeks Stronger Port Agency Collaboration
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has urged government agencies operating at the nation’s seaports to strengthen collaboration in order to eliminate cargo clearance delays, reduce cargo losses, and minimise the legal and financial consequences associated with prolonged port operations.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, made the appeal during a technical session at the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, recently held in Abuja.
Speaking on the impact of cargo delays, Dr. Akutah emphasised that improved coordination among port regulatory agencies is critical to enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring smoother cargo movement across Nigeria’s ports.
He noted that poor inter-agency cooperation has continued to hamper the shipping industry, resulting in unnecessary delays, rising operational costs, cargo deterioration, and lengthy legal disputes.
Dr. Akutah also addressed calls by legal practitioners for legislation to safeguard terminal operators under Nigeria’s port concession agreements. He explained that the proposed Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill, which designates the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the country’s Port Economic Regulator, is expected to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework to tackle the operational and commercial challenges affecting port services and cargo clearance.
According to him, the bill will strengthen economic regulation in the port sector, improve efficiency and accountability, and create a more transparent and predictable business environment for investors and port users.
The NSC boss described the International Maritime Seminar for Judges as an important platform for enhancing judicial capacity in maritime law and promoting effective resolution of maritime disputes.
He stressed that maritime cases play a vital role in the growth of the sector, adding that the seminar enables judges to broaden their expertise while providing stakeholders with an avenue to identify areas requiring policy and operational improvements.
Dr. Akutah further noted that continuous engagement between the judiciary and maritime stakeholders would contribute to the development of the industry by encouraging quicker and more efficient dispute resolution.
He warned that prolonged litigation in maritime matters discourages investment and weakens confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system.
“No investor will commit capital to a country where confidence in the judicial process is lacking. Maritime disputes are often complex, lengthy and costly. One of the objectives of this seminar is to encourage alternative dispute resolution mechanisms that will facilitate faster settlements and boost investor confidence in Nigeria’s maritime sector,” he said.
During the technical session, legal and maritime experts advocated for a stronger legal framework to protect terminal operators under the port concession system while ensuring a fair balance between the interests of investors, service providers and port users.
The 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, organised by the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in partnership with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), continues to serve as a key forum for addressing emerging maritime legal issues, strengthening the administration of maritime justice, and improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria’s port industry.
