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Shippers’ Council saves Nigeria over N46 billion in trade disputes, party charter agreements 

-as Akutah gives account of stewardship 
Funso OLOJO
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Barrister Pius Akutah has given an account of his stewardship at the Council in the last one year.
During his interaction with the Media on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024 in Lagos, Akutah looked back to his first year in office with satisfaction at what stakeholders regarded as an impressive performance for a man who came fresh from the courtroom to the maritime industry.
Within the last one year, the council, under the leadership of Akutah and the management, has saved the country over N46 billion in trade disputes and party charters.
According to him, the council’s Regulatory Services Department has saved the nation over N40 billion through confirmation of fees and party charter agreements, while the Compliant Unit of the Council similarly saved the country the sum of N6 billion, which could have been lost to legal fees, orders to ground ships, and other activities in the sector.
” The economy could have been worse off if the money was not saved.
” This was made possible due to the App we developed about eight to nine months ago to automate our system that ensured settlement of disputes over freight charters, etc.
” The economic repercussions could have been huge if the money was lost.
” We not only saved money, we have improved the quality of trade through amicable resolution of conflicts through the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR).”
Akutah disclosed that the council, in the last one year, had worked assiduously to improve the productivity and efficiency of the sector through innovative services and reforms.
The council’s boss was particularly excited by the progress made so far on the Nigerian Shipping and Port Economic Regulatory Agency bill of 2023 which he said, when passed into law, will empower the council to revolutionise the sector.
The bill has already been passed by the House of Representatives and before the Senate for concurrence before going to the President for final consent.
Akutah said the bill, when it becomes a law, will be a watershed in the operations of the council which he lamented is currently operating on Nigerian Shippers’ Council Act of 1981 as amended, which is old, limiting and has outlived its usefulness.
“The current bill, Nigerian Shippers’ Council Port Economic Regulatory Agency of 2023, is one of the major initiatives by Mr President to reposition the sector for economic growth”
Akutah said the bill, when passed into law, will enhance the capacity of the council to drive reformative programmes that will enhance service delivery in the sector.
Looking forward into the coming years, Akutah said the council is open to collaboration with agencies of government that are involved in trade facilitation.
He also said the council is looking into the manufacturing sector to stimulate growth and capacity in production that will stand the country in good stead to take advantage of the huge opportunities under the African Free Continental Trade Area(AfCFTA).
Akutah emphasized the importance of Nigeria capitalizing on the African Free Continental Trade Area (AfCFTA), which he noted had opened the African market to over 1.5 billion people with a combined market size of over $4 trillion.
According to him, the council will also work to enhance shipping services which he noted is crucial for economic growth.
Similarly, the council will work towards stimulating investments in the sector.
He acknowledged the contribution of APMT in this regard and encouraged other terminal operators to cue into this initiative.
However, Akutah expressed his appreciation to all stakeholders for their support in the last one year, while pleading for the continuation of such collaboration in the coming years to enhance the capacity and efficiency of the council.
He pledged to be accessible and receptive to suggestions, opinions and advice that will enhance the quality of the council’s services to the operators.
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Headlines

Safari Valley Eco Resort targets Nigerian market as NANTA concludes Ghana retreat

 

–as Ghana’s deputy tourism Minister advocates stronger Nigeria-Ghana tourism partnership

Funso OLOJO, Editor

Safari Valley Eco Resort in Dawu, Ghana’s Eastern Region, is intensifying efforts to attract more Nigerian tourists following the conclusion of a five-day familiarisation tour and executive retreat by the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA).

The visit culminated in an executive dinner held on Tuesday, July 21st, at Safari Valley Eco Resort, where tourism stakeholders from Nigeria and Ghana reaffirmed their commitment to promoting intra-African travel and deepening cross-border tourism partnerships.

A major highlight of the retreat was NANTA’s engagement with key players in Ghana’s tourism industry, giving the Nigerian delegation first-hand experience of the country’s tourism offerings while exploring opportunities to develop attractive travel packages for Nigerian travellers.

Ghana Seeks Stronger Tourism Collaboration

Addressing participants, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Tourism called for closer collaboration between Nigeria and Ghana, urging both countries to leverage their shared history, cultural affinity and longstanding relationship to stimulate tourism growth.

The minister noted that Nigeria remains one of Ghana’s most strategic tourism source markets, a position consistently reinforced by the Ghana Tourism Authority through initiatives aimed at attracting more Nigerian visitors.

Participants also echoed calls for African countries to reduce travel barriers and ease cross-border movement to unlock the continent’s enormous tourism and economic potential.

Safari World Showcases West African Tourism Vision

Hosting the Nigerian delegation was Safari World, the parent company of Safari Valley Eco Resort, founded by renowned forest scientist and conservationist Samuel Afari.

Speaking during the engagement, Afari described the visit as a significant milestone in advancing the vision of an integrated West African tourism market.

“We at Safari World are very excited to welcome our Nigerian colleagues from NANTA.

“Throughout our discussions with the association, particularly with its President, Dr. Yinka Folami, it has been encouraging to see that ‘Africa for Africa’ remains a shared agenda for both parties,” he said.

He added that the visit provides an opportunity to transform that shared vision into practical partnerships while strengthening the enduring brotherly relationship between Nigeria and Ghana.

“We look forward to welcoming more Nigerian visitors and showcasing authentic Ghanaian hospitality and leisure—the Safari World way,” Afari said.

Speaking passionately about his investment, Afari highlighted the role Nigerians have played in transforming business opportunities across Africa.

He described Safari Valley as the fulfilment of a vision centred on conservation, eco-tourism and nature-based experiences, adding that the resort also seeks to unlock the immense potential of maritime and leisure tourism in the sub-region.

Building a Multi-Destination Tourism Brand

Safari World is steadily positioning itself as one of Ghana’s most diversified tourism brands through its integrated city, riverfront and forest destinations.

Its tourism portfolio spans Accra, Ada and Dawu, offering visitors a blend of eco-tourism, hospitality, leisure and cultural experiences tailored to both domestic and international markets, with Nigeria identified as a priority market.

NANTA President, Dr. Yinka Folami, who led the Nigerian delegation, said the association would encourage host destinations to stage its conferences for at least two consecutive years to deepen partnerships and maximise tourism and business opportunities.
Expanding Opportunities for Nigerian Travellers.

The collaboration is expected to open up new travel packages for Nigerian tourists, particularly in eco-tourism, coastal tourism and community-based experiences.

Driven largely by private sector partnerships and supported by government efforts to strengthen regional tourism, the initiative is expected to enhance travel exchanges between the two countries.

Safari Valley’s renewed focus on the Nigerian market comes at a time when tourism stakeholders across West Africa are advocating easier visa processes, stronger regional cooperation and policies that will accelerate the growth of Africa’s tourism economy.

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Headlines

TransQuest media rallies stakeholders to  chart Nigeria’s blue economy future at symposium

Gloria Odion, maritime reporter 

Stakeholders in the maritime and logistics industries will converge in Lagos on Saturday, July 25th, 2026, for the TransQuest Anniversary Transport Development Symposium and Awards, where they will deliberate on practical strategies for accelerating sustainable growth in Nigeria’s blue economy.

The symposium, themed “Re-Appraising Nigeria’s Blue Economy: Charting a Path to Sustainable Growth,” will take place at Shoregate Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, under the chairmanship of retired Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, Charles Eporwei Edike.

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola, is expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour and Keynote Speaker.

He is expected to outline the Federal Government’s vision for expanding the blue economy through policy reforms, infrastructure development, investment promotion and enhanced maritime governance.

The event will bring together an impressive lineup of key stakeholders, including the Comptroller-General of Customs, Dr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah Ukeyima; Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dayo Mobereola; Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho; Acting Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Alhaji Umar Yusuf Girei; Rector of the Maritime Academy of Nigeria, Oron, Dr. Kevin Okonna; Executive Director of the Nigerian Institute for Oceanography and Marine Research (NIOMR), Dr. Sule Abiodun; and Provost of the Federal College of Fisheries and Marine Technology (FCFMT), Dr. Chucks Paul Onuoha.

The panel discussion will be moderated by veteran maritime journalist Elder Asu Beks and is expected to examine critical issues ranging from maritime trade and port efficiency to inland waterways development, marine research, fisheries, Customs modernisation and investment opportunities within the blue economy.

Participants will also benefit from technical presentations by renowned maritime technocrat Lucky Amiwero, President of the National Council of Managing Directors of Licensed Customs Agents (NCMDLCA), and logistics expert Dr. Eugene Ifeanyichukwu Nweke, Head of Research at SEREC and former President of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF).

Beyond the policy dialogue, the event will celebrate excellence through the TransQuest Awards, recognising individuals and organisations whose outstanding contributions have advanced Nigeria’s maritime, transport and Customs sectors.
Among the top honourees is the Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho, who will receive the Maritime Personality of the Year Award, while the Nigerian Ports Authority will be honoured as Maritime Agency of the Year for its transformational achievements in port infrastructure, operational efficiency and ongoing port modernisation initiatives under his leadership.

Several Nigeria Customs Service Area Controllers will also be recognised for exceptional performance in revenue generation, anti-smuggling operations and trade facilitation. They include Comptroller Joseph Anani (Tin Can Island Port Command), Comptroller G.I. Aliyu (Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’), Comptroller Godwin Otunla (Murtala Muhammed Airport Command), Comptroller Hawa Abubakar (Lagos Free Trade Zone Command), Comptroller Shuaibu Kaila (Seme Area Command), and Deputy Comptroller Moses Adewole.

The awards will equally spotlight emerging Customs leaders, including Comptroller O.O. Afeni of Ogun I Area Command for his anti-smuggling achievements and Comptroller Bolaji Adigun of Kirikiri Lighter Terminal Command for pioneering operational reforms that have improved efficiency and service delivery.

Corporate organisations, maritime professionals and journalists who have distinguished themselves through exceptional service and contributions to the growth of the maritime and transport sectors will also be honoured during the ceremony.

According to the organisers, the symposium is designed to serve as a strategic platform for meaningful engagement among policymakers, regulators, academics and industry practitioners, with the objective of generating practical recommendations that will unlock the enormous economic potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.

The event is scheduled to commence at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at Shoregate Hotel, 29 Joel Ogunnaike Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

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Analyses

The invisible toll gates:Why National Single Window is Nigeria’s ultimate economic battleground

Monday Discourse with  Ibrahim Nasiru
Walk into any market in Nigeria today, from the commercial hubs of Lagos to the roadside stalls in Yola, and ask why a bag of rice or an imported spare part costs three times what it did last year.
The typical public commentator will blame global inflation, floating currencies, or macro-economic shocks.
But those who understand logistics know the real truth lies buried under layers of paper, manual stamps, and artificial delays at our seaports.
Nigeria’s international trade is suffocating not from a lack of deep water, but from a deliberate design of convenience.
The recent operational rollout of the National Single Window (NSW) has triggered behind-the-scenes panic among Port cartels, and for good reason.
For decades, keeping our clearing processes fragmented, manual, and dependent on desk-to-desk human interaction was the perfect business model for syndicates.
When cargo dwell times drag on for 21 days, those delays are money in the pockets of the gatekeepers and a death sentence for local businesses.
Let us look at the raw field realities. The push by the Nigeria Customs Service to aggressively crash clearance times down to global 48-hour standards is meeting fierce internal resistance.
Why? Because a unified digital ecosystem means you cannot easily manipulate documentation, hide illicit cargo, or demand “mobilization fees” before signing off a container.
The outcry and protests from certain freight-forwarding syndicates aren’t about technical glitches; they are about the sudden closure of invisible toll gates.
This is exactly why governance at our national gateways can no longer be left to the mercy of transactional bureaucratic habits.
Building deep-sea infrastructure like Lekki Port is a massive physical achievement, but concrete and cranes are useless if the administrative processes at the gate remain backward.
 Real structural reform requires turning our Ports into automated, friction-free pipelines that prioritize production over rent-seeking.
If Nigeria wants to survive this fiscal squeeze, the National Single Window cannot just be treated as another glossy IT project launched in Abuja.
 It requires unyielding administrative enforcement to completely dismantle the corrupt cartels managing the manual desk chains.
The invisible toll gates at our Ports must be completely demolished, and that exact same structural discipline must be scaled across our border stations and trade corridors.
The era of managing international trade with 20th-century paper trails is dying. The future belongs to the builders of automated, transparent systems.
Chief Ibrahim Nasiru, a public affairs analyst,  writes from Abuja 
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