By Abbas Nazil
The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Ukeyima, has expressed profound dissatisfaction over the current cargo dwell time and vessel turnaround statistics at Nigerian ports, describing the situation as a barrier to economic efficiency, and unacceptable.
Speaking during the Management System Retreat held in Lagos on Wednesday, Dr. Ukeyima warned that the Council can no longer function as a bureaucratic, paper-driven institution, urging an urgent shift toward measurable results and efficient service delivery.
The NSC boss highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to transforming the maritime sector through the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, tasking it with harnessing Nigeria’s ocean economy for diversification, sustainability, and national growth.
Dr. Ukeyima stated that the Council’s new five-year Strategic Plan (2025–2029) is a direct response to this call, with clear policy directives aimed at trade facilitation, improved port efficiency, strengthened inter-agency coordination, and infrastructure delivery.
He declared that all departments within the Council must align their annual work plans with the national marine and blue economy policy, and quarterly reports must be submitted to his office and the supervising ministry to demonstrate compliance.
Describing current port performance indicators as alarming, he insisted that cargo clearing timelines must be drastically reduced to meet regional standards.
To drive digital transformation, he directed that by the end of Q3 2025, all internal communications, approvals, and documentation processes must migrate to the Electronic Content Management (ECM) platform, warning of administrative sanctions for noncompliance.
On infrastructure, he stressed that projects such as the Jos Inland Dry Port, Gateway IDP in Ogun, Kano Dala IDP, Potiskum VTA, and the Border Information Centres must move beyond the planning stage into full implementation.
He assigned the Inland Transport Services Department and relevant zonal coordinators to submit progress reports every two weeks, adding that he will personally track project timelines, budget adherence, and stakeholder engagement.
Dr. Ukeyima also called for enhanced stakeholder engagement, directing departments to hold quarterly forums, release newsletters, and establish a formal complaint-resolution system to regain public trust.
Emphasizing human capacity development, he instructed the HRM department to launch an induction process for new staff within 30 days of employment and roll out a Leadership and Innovation Development Series for senior officers starting Q3 2025.
He concluded by urging directors and unit heads to return from the retreat with actionable plans and a renewed sense of urgency, stating that performance is no longer optional but a cultural requirement for the Council’s future.
Earlier, the Director of Strategic Planning and Research at NSC, Mr. Rotimi Anifowoshe, explained that the retreat was aimed at validating the Council’s strategic planning session and signing performance bonds between the Executive Secretary and departmental heads.
He noted that the planning process was inclusive and reflective, intended to reposition the Council’s vision and mission for current and future expectations.
