The Nigerian Shippers’ Council said it has saved port users over N90.6 billion and US$1.348 million in three years.
Dr. Akutah Pius, Executive Secretary/CEO, who disclosed this in Lagos on Saturday, also noted that N86.06 billion in unjustified demurrage was prevented, while disputes were resolved to secure another N86.06 billion and US$1.348 million.
Dr. Akutah attributed the gains to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, adding that the Council has been repositioned as a modern port economic regulator
He described the passage of the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill by both chambers of the National Assembly as one of the Council’s most significant achievements.
He explained that, upon presidential assent, the legislation will establish an independent Port Economic Regulator with statutory powers to regulate tariffs, monitor service standards and promote fair competition across Nigeria’s port industry.
Akutah also disclosed that the Council secured statutory funding for the first time since its establishment in 1978, following its inclusion in the 2025 Appropriation Act.
He added that the revenue collection process would be integrated into the National Single Window (NSW) platform to improve transparency and operational efficiency.
On trade facilitation, he disclosed that all outstanding issues delaying the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) have been resolved, paving the way for its deployment to improve cargo visibility, strengthen supply chain security and enhance trade efficiency.
Akutah revealed that between the fourth quarter of 2023 and the second quarter of 2026, the Council received 558 complaints from port users and successfully resolved 295 commercial disputes relating to demurrage, detention, terminal charges and cargo claims.
He further stated that the Council streamlined bonded terminal invoice charges from 18 categories to six abolished unauthorised shipping line surcharges and directed terminal operators to publicly display all approved tariffs as part of measures to ensure transparency and protect port users.
The NSC Executive Secretary noted that the Council successfully facilitated the approval of a new N200,000 minimum wage for junior workers in the maritime sector, bringing to a successful conclusion negotiations that had remained unresolved for nearly two decades.
Speaking on infrastructure development, he said the Council continues to expand trade facilitation initiatives through the development of Inland Dry Ports in Kaduna, Kano and Funtua, Vehicle Transit Areas and Border Information Centres located in Idiroko, Ogun State, and Jigawa, Benue, Borno and Kebbi states.
He disclosed that following the collapse of the Jibia Border Information Centre, Katsina State, in June 2026, reconstruction has commenced while discussions are ongoing with state governments for the development of permanent Border Information Centre complexes.
He also highlighted the Council’s digital transformation efforts, including the deployment of an Enterprise Content Management System and the commencement of a Leadership and Succession Planning Project as part of preparations for the Council’s transition into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency.
He announced that the Council will host the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges from 22 to 24 July 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT), in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute and the Nigerian Maritime Law Association.
