By Abbas Nazil
As Nigeria intensifies its efforts to build a $1 trillion economy, maritime and logistics experts have emphasized that such an ambitious goal will remain unattainable without urgent and comprehensive reforms in the country’s maritime sector.
Speaking at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Nigeria post-meeting talk show held in Lagos, themed “Shipping and Maritime Trade: The Backbone of International Trade,” the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, represented by Deputy Director of Trade Services, Ms. Adaora Nwonu, stressed the centrality of a competitive maritime and logistics infrastructure to Nigeria’s economic transformation.
Akutah noted that without a robust maritime system, Nigeria’s drive toward industrialization, export-led growth, and economic diversification will be severely hindered.
He explained that at the NSC, regulation is being redefined not as a tool of control, but as a means of empowerment, transparency, and protection.
According to him, the Council is actively pursuing partnerships that align public interests with private sector investments, while also deepening institutional reforms to attract innovation and build public trust.
He urged stakeholders across government, private enterprise, and development sectors to work collaboratively to develop a maritime industry that not only addresses Nigeria’s current economic demands but also secures its future position as a regional leader and global trade participant.
He extended a strategic partnership offer to ICC Nigeria, stating that the Council and ICC share mutual values centered on fair trade, efficient logistics, and private sector advancement.
Akutah revealed that in 2024, the Council successfully prevented the repatriation of approximately N52 billion in questionable foreign exchange claims through its Economic Regulatory Portal (ERP).
He said this intervention strengthened the national economy and enhanced cost predictability for businesses.
Additionally, the NSC’s Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism resolved conflicts between port users and service providers efficiently, leading to the recovery of over N2 billion for shippers and cargo owners.
He emphasized that the Council evaluates freight rates, terminal charges, and demurrage to ensure fairness, and enforces regulations to curb monopoly practices, especially protecting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) from exploitation.
The NSC investigates complaints, mediates among stakeholders, and applies appropriate regulatory actions to ensure a competitive and transparent shipping environment.
Akutah concluded by reaffirming the Council’s commitment to building a globally respected maritime trade system that contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s development and international trade standards.
