Since his appointment in November 2023, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, has waded through halting unjustified demurrage payment to securing statutory funding for the Council, amongst other achievements. In this report, TOLA ADENUBI looks at the Council under Akutah in the last 32 months.
Since assuming office in November 2023, the Management of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), under the leadership of Dr Pius Akutah, 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.
From protection of shippers to passage of the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill by both Chambers of the National Assembly, and approval of statutory funding mechanism for the Council, Dr. Akutah has pushed economic regulation to its limit, ensuring Nigerian shippers get value for money in the port industry.
NPERA bill
The passage of the NPERA bill by the National Assembly represents a landmark reform in Nigeria’s maritime sector. Once assented to by Mr. President, 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.
Funding relief
Another significant milestone is the approval of the council’s statutory funding mechanism, captured in the 2025 Appropriation Act for the first time since its 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.
Port Tariff regulation
As Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator, the Council under Dr. Akutah, 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.
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
The council has continued 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 (AfCFTA), while reducing logistics bottlenecks and positioning Nigeria as a preferred maritime and logistics hub in West and Central Africa.
Institutional, human capital development
Dr. Akutah 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.
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. Its 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.
In the words of Dr. Akutah, “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 economy for Nigeria.”
