Category: Maritime

Massive Blow to Terror Groups: 150+ Bandits Perish in Sokoto Waterway Disaster

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End of the Road: More Than 150 Bandits Drown in Sokoto Boat Mishap In a major blow to criminal elements in the Northwest, at least 150 suspected bandits reportedly drowned on Saturday after their boat capsized in the Sabon Gida area of Sabon Birni Local Government, Sokoto State. Official police confirmation is still pending, but renowned security expert Zagazola Makama has verified the reports through multiple ground sources. According to Makama, the incident occurred on the evening of Saturday, March 21, when a vessel carrying a large number of heavily…

The Strait of Hormuz is About More Than Just Oil. It Feeds 100 Million People

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A CNN report released this Saturday, March 21, revealed that..”Oil and liquefied natural gas tankers moving through the Strait of Hormuz carry around 20% of the world’s supply. But for countries on the Persian Gulf, the waterway is more than just an energy route – it’s a lifeline for more than 100 million people. Now, as the United States and Israel’s war with Iran chokes this vital stretch of water, it’s also straining food supply into the region. Thriving in this harsh climate takes effort. With summer temperatures topping 50…

Regulator Suspends Port Tariff Hikes for Stakeholder Talks

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In its capacity as the Nation’s Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has ordered all shipping lines and agents to immediately suspend recently approved tariff adjustments. This directive follows significant concerns raised by industry stakeholders regarding the impact of these hikes on port users. Following a Council directive issued Friday, March 20, the Regulator has mandated that all shipping lines and agencies maintain the status quo. A final resolution will be disseminated only upon the conclusion of stakeholder consultations and the formal filing of reports: ” The Nigerian…

Tariffs Hike: Shippers’ Council Takes Command, Mandates Resolution as Forwarders Picket MSC, Others.

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“Dialogue over Disruption” remains the firm stance of Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT, Ph.D, Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. He urged freight forwarders to embrace diplomacy over industrial action, noting that a commitment to the roundtable ensures dispute resolution without stalling Nigeria’s critical economic engine. Dr. Akutah issued this appeal while addressing the escalating tensions at the Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), where freight forwarders had gathered to protest a recent surge in shipping tariffs. He urged all parties to move beyond the picket line and resolve the…

Nigeria Fines Vessel, 10 Sailors $6M Over Cocaine Bust as Marwa Declares Waters ‘No Longer a Haven’ for Cartels

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A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted 10 Filipino sailors and their merchant vessel, the MV Nord Bosporus, for the unlawful importation of 20 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria. In a statement released Wednesday, March 18, NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi announced a swift legal victory: the conviction of a vessel and its crew just four months after their arrest. It could be recalled that the vessel was intercepted by the NDLEA at the Apapa Seaport on November 16, 2025, following its arrival from Santos, Brazil.…

“Resilient and Innovative”: Shippers’ Council Chief, Dr. Akutah, Honors Women Driving Nigeria’s Maritime Evolution for IWD 2026

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Marking International Women’s Day, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council. Akutah Pius Akutah, Esq, MON, FCILT, Ph.D, celebrated women as vital architects of the nation’s marine ecosystem, emphasizing their role in driving sustainable industry growth. In a statement released on Sunday, March 8, by the Council’s Head of Public Relations, Rebecca Adamu, stated that the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, commemorated International Women’s Day by applauding the remarkable contributions of women across the maritime value chain. Dr. Akutah noted that their…

Gateway To Growth: Shippers’ Council, Ogun State, Team Up For Inland Port

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The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutah Pius Ukeyima, Esq, MON, FCILT, Ph.D led the Council’s management team on a high-level courtesy visit to the Executive Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in Abeokuta on Friday, March 6, 2026. The meeting underscored the ongoing collaboration between the Council and the state government to advance key maritime and logistics infrastructure. Commending the Ogun State Government’s steadfast dedication, Dr. Akutah expressed strong optimism that the landmark project is nearing completion. He noted that the state’s proactive approach has paved…

Shema Backs NSC Transformation at 2026 Strategic Management Retreat

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On Thursday, March 5a, 2026, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, CON, reaffirmed the Board’s unwavering commitment to the Council’s new policy direction. Speaking at the 2026 Strategic Management Retreat, Dr. Shema emphasized the Board’s support for institutional transformation aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s maritime industry. This was disclosed by the NSC Head of public Relations, Rabecca Adamu marking a new chapter for the Council, Dr. Shema made the commitment while kicking off the 2026 Strategic Management Retreat. Hosted at the…

Port Tariff Hikes: NSC CEO Pius Akutah Defends Modest Review, Urges Constructive Dialogue

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On the sidelines of the Council’s Management Retreat at the Conference Hotel in Abeokuta, Dr. Akutah urged shipping companies and freight forwarders to “sheathe their swords” and return to the negotiating table. He emphasized that securing a mutually beneficial agreement hinges on both parties demonstrating the flexibility and willingness to find common ground. In a statement released by Rebecca Adamu, Head of Public Relations for the NSC, Dr. Akutah emphasized that meaningful engagement and compromise are vital to preventing operational disruptions and ensuring long-term stability for Nigeria’s maritime sector. He…

Shippers’ Council Speeds Up Port Reforms to Unlock Nigeria’s Economic Potential

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In a sustained drive to fuel economic growth, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Abuja Liaison Office recently hosted its high-impact seminar, ‘From Port to Prosperity.’ By uniting key stakeholders in the Federal Capital Territory to tackle trade expansion and maritime efficiency, the Council is actively repositioning Nigeria as a formidable global maritime hub. Rebecca Adamu, Head of Public Relations for the NSC, highlighted that the seminar successfully united a “Who’s Who” of the trade industry. Bringing together powerhouses like the Nigeria Customs Service, CBN, ECOWAS, and AfCFTA representatives, the event…