In a strong show of industry solidarity, the African Association of Professional Freight Forwarders and Logistics of Nigeria (APFFLON) has lauded the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah. The association praised his remarkable achievements in safeguarding the interests of Nigerian shippers and driving critical growth across the maritime sector.
This praise was contained in a recent statement issued by APFFLON’s National President, Otunba Frank Ogunojemite. He described the NSC’s prevention of over ₦86 billion in demurrage losses, alongside the recovery of ₦4.54 billion via the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism, as a monumental milestone for the industry.
Ogunojemite emphasized that these wins prove a deep commitment to trade facilitation, market transparency, and saving cargo owners from massive financial drains.
“As the Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has continued to play a vital role in promoting fairness and accountability within the nation’s port system. APFFLON acknowledges these efforts and encourages the Council’s leadership to sustain the momentum by strengthening regulatory oversight and ensuring that all port service providers comply with established standards.”
Despite the wins, APFFLON insists the NSC must not relent on other lingering port challenges. Ogunojemite pointed directly to arbitrary charges, heavy delays, poor operator service, and congestion that spike the cost of doing business in Nigeria.
He urged the Council to ramp up stakeholder engagement, quicken dispute resolutions, and ensure these interventions protect every participant in the maritime chain.
He pledged that APFFLON will continue working closely with the Council to advance game-changing reforms. This collaboration aims to boost port competitiveness, cut logistics costs, and establish Nigeria as West Africa’s leading trade hub.
“We congratulate the Executive Secretary/CEO and his management team on these laudable achievements and encourage them to continue building a more efficient, transparent, and customer-friendly port system for the benefit of the Nigerian economy, ” the statement concluded.
