The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Akutah PIUS Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT, Ph.D. said the Nation’s Maritime Sector is an important platform that stimulates National Development for the Country.
Akutah, made the statement during the 26th Annual General Meeting (AGM) & Post AGM Talk of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Nigeria held recently in Lagos.
The ES/CEO was represented by the Deputy Director, Trade Services of the Council, Adaora Nwonu.
“The maritime industry is not just an economic asset, it is a National Development platform driving job creation, facilitating regional integration, supporting industrial growth and strengthening the country’s strategic position in the global economy ”, he said.
He spoke on the theme “Shipping and maritime: The backbone of International Trade”, further reiterated the need to modernize the Nation’s seaports via automation, connectivity and facilitate the Ease of Doing Business.
Dr. Akutah also said the Council, as the Nation’s Port Economic Regulator, has formulated effective and efficient regulation for the control and compliance of tariffs nomenclatures and other related charges at the Nation sea ports, terminals (sea & off dock) adding that the relentless effort by the Council has helped to prevent outrageous changes, introduction of different tariffs nomenclatures by the providers of shipping and port services to the consumers of the services and vibrant dispute resolution mechanism for resolving commercial dispute in the Industry.
He informed participants that the Council also facilitates the development of transport Infrastructure (Inland Dry Port and Vehicle Transit Areas) projects in the Country mainly for National Economy Growth.
The Chief Executive however called for meaningful collaboration between the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the International Chamber of Commerce to meet the Nation’s quest for developmental regional trade hub.
Declaring the 26th Annual General Meeting & Post AGM Talk opened, the Chairman, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC Nigeria), Chief (Sir), Raymond Ihyembe said
Nigerian Shippers’ Council’s role can not be overlooked as an agency of government, adding that the Regulatory Agency has been very supportive to the apex chamber. He called for continuity of the existing relationship with the Council.
Also speaking, the Secretary General of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Nigeria, Mrs.Olubunmi Osuntuyi said the chamber is committed to advancing global trade and has been working tirelessly to meet the aspirations on its members towards successful trade.
Those interviewed at the conference however commended the Council for its educative presentation, stating that the Regulator informed participants at the ICC 2025 AGM about the Maritime Sector and its contributions to National Development.
The Annual Conference was also featured with induction of new members cut across relevant sectors of the economy in to the Chamber.
