In continuation of its statutory mandate as the Nation’s Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has recorded another landmark achievement through its alternative dispute resolution mechanism.
The Executive Secretary and CEO of the Council, Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT, Ph.D., confirmed that the NSC saved the economy ₦348.8 million for industry stakeholders in the first quarter of 2026. This significant economic saving was achieved through the amicable resolution of legitimate commercial complaints.
Speaking recently as the headline guest lecturer at the 25th Anniversary and Awards celebration of the Maritime Watch Newspaper, Dr. Akutah emphasized that the council’s dispute intervention services seamlessly cover the entire country.
He further confirmed that during the quarter, the NSC received 32 commercial complaints, successfully resolved 19, closed one case, and retained 12 for deeper investigation.
Speaking on the theme, “Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Costs in Nigerian Ports through the Nigerian Shippers’ Council Regulatory Framework,” Dr. Akutah—who was represented at the event by Ms. Adaora Nwonu, Deputy Director of the Standard Services Division—emphasized that these interventions brought immense relief to affected stakeholders.
“Our interventions helped users recover or avoid losses worth N348.81 million. Shipping companies and agents attracted 22 complaints. Container deposit refunds led with five complaints, while arbitrary charges followed with four.”
He also explained that between January and June 2024 alone, the Council saved port users more than ₦31.1 billion through demurrage automation. According to him, operational performance has surged by over 400% compared to the manual confirmation processes previously utilized by the port’s economic regulator.
Dr. Akutah emphasized that one of the greatest strengths of the NSC’s interventions is that they are entirely measurable, evidence-based, and outcome-driven. He said, “The initiative has significantly reduced excessive and unverifiable charges, improved transparency, minimized delays, and streamlined documentation processes.”
The NSC boss further disclosed that the Council saved an additional $12.35 million from Port Process Reforms. This milestone was achieved through the strategic implementation of the Nigerian Port Process Manual (NPPM) alongside the anti-corruption activities of the Port Standing Task Team (PSTT).
Dr. Akutah maintained that as the nation’s port economic regulator, the Council remains strongly committed to delivering on its statutory obligations by strictly checking arbitrary charges and boosting operational efficiency.
He concluded, “Port efficiency is not merely a maritime issue; it is fundamentally an economic issue. Every delay encountered at the port carries financial implications for importers, exporters, manufacturers, transporters, and ultimately the Nigerian consumers.”
