Olawunmi Ajibike
Federal Government Directs Shippers’ Council to Strengthen Port Cost Monitoring, Improve Dispute Resolution
The Federal Government has directed the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to strengthen its regulatory framework by improving port cost monitoring, enhancing dispute resolution mechanisms, and deploying data analytics to support effective oversight in the maritime sector.
The directive was given by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Fatima Sugra Mahmood, on Thursday during the NSC 2026 Strategic Management Retreat held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Mahmood said the council must also streamline its stakeholder engagement processes to enhance transparency, efficiency, and regulatory effectiveness across Nigeria’s ports.
She described strategic retreats as vital opportunities for organisations to review their operations and reposition themselves to tackle emerging challenges.
“Retreats such as this are critical moments in the life of any institution because they provide an opportunity to pause, reflect, and recalibrate institutional direction in response to emerging realities. As you deliberate over the next few days, I encourage you to be bold in your thinking, honest in your assessments, practical in your recommendations, and resolute in your execution,” she said.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutah Ukeyima, said the theme of the retreat reflects the key priorities that will shape the council’s next phase of institutional development.
Ukeyima identified collaboration, innovation, and excellence as the three pillars necessary to strengthen regulatory performance within the maritime sector.
According to him, collaboration is essential because no regulatory institution can operate effectively in isolation within a complex maritime ecosystem.
He added that innovation has become indispensable as the global shipping industry continues to evolve.
“Innovation is critical because the dynamics of global trade and logistics require institutions that are adaptive, technology-driven, and forward-looking. And excellence is vital because the credibility and authority of a regulator ultimately depend on the professionalism, integrity, and performance of its people,” he said.
Ukeyima also provided an update on the proposed Nigerian Shippers’ Council Bill, noting that although it had earlier been passed by the National Assembly of Nigeria and forwarded for presidential assent, it was returned for adjustments.
According to him, the bill was returned because certain provisions conflicted with the Nigerian Tax Administration Act 2025.
“As you are aware, the bill had earlier been passed by the National Assembly and transmitted for presidential assent. During the review process, certain provisions were observed to conflict with the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025. In line with the observations communicated by Mr. President, the bill was returned to the National Assembly for the necessary corrections,” he said.
On staff welfare, the NSC boss disclosed that the proposed salary review for the council’s workforce has received approval from the supervising ministry and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation.
He added that the proposal is currently undergoing vetting by the Budget Office of the Federation before being forwarded to the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for final approval.
“Institutional transformation must also be supported by improved staff welfare and motivation. I am pleased to inform you that the proposed salary review for staff of the Council has already received approval from the Ministry and the OHCSF,” he said.
“The proposal is currently undergoing vetting and clearance by the Budget Office of the Federation, after which it will be considered by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for final approval prior to implementation.”
He added that management remains optimistic that the process will soon be concluded, noting that several welfare improvements have already been introduced, including an upward review of the Children Education Grant, the introduction of Health and Social Club allowances, and Proficiency Allowances to encourage staff development.