NSC Seeks Stronger Inter-Agency Collaboration For Port Efficiency, Says Proposed NPERA Bill Will Address Operational Bottlenecks

The Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC) has called for stronger collaboration among government agencies operating at the nation's seaports to eliminate cargo clearance delays, reduce cargo damage and minimise the legal and financial disputes arising from prolonged port operations.

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, made this call while speaking during a technical session at the just concluded 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges in Abuja.

On the consequences of cargo delays and their legal and financial implications, Dr. Akutah stressed that greater synergy among regulatory agencies is essential to improving operational efficiency across Nigeria's ports.

He acknowledged that inefficiencies resulting from weak inter-agency coordination have continued to pose significant challenges to the nation's shipping industry, leading to avoidable delays, increased costs, cargo deterioration and protracted litigation.

Dr. Akutah noted that while some legal experts at the seminar advocated for legislation to protect port terminal operators operating under concession agreements, the proposed Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill, which designates the Nigerian Shippers' Council as the statutory Port Economic Regulator, is expected to provide the regulatory framework needed to address many of the operational and commercial challenges affecting port services and cargo clearance in Nigeria.
According to him, the proposed legislation will strengthen economic regulation within the port sector, promote efficiency, enhance accountability and create a more predictable business environment for investors and port users.

The NSC boss also highlighted the importance of the International Maritime Seminar for Judges, describing it as a critical platform for strengthening judicial capacity in maritime law and improving the resolution of maritime disputes.
"The importance of maritime cases cannot be over-emphasised. This seminar provides an important opportunity for judges handling maritime matters to deepen their knowledge while enabling stakeholders to identify areas requiring improvement for the growth of the sector," he said.

He added that sustained engagement between the judiciary and maritime stakeholders would further support the development of Nigeria's maritime industry by promoting faster and more efficient dispute resolution.

Dr. Akutah observed that delays in the adjudication of maritime cases discourage investment and undermine confidence in the nation's judicial system.

“No investor will bring capital into a country where there is no confidence in the judicial system. Maritime disputes are often complex, time-consuming and expensive to resolve. One of the key objectives of this seminar is to promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms that will ensure quicker settlement of maritime disputes and inspire investor confidence in Nigeria's maritime sector," he stated.

At the technical session, legal and maritime experts called for a robust legal framework to better protect terminal operators under Nigeria's port concession regime while also ensuring a fair balance between the rights of investors, service providers and port users.

The 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges, organised by the Nigerian Shippers' Council in collaboration with the National Judicial Institute (NJI), continues to provide a platform for dialogue on contemporary maritime legal issues aimed at strengthening Nigeria's maritime justice system and improving the ease of doing business in the country's port sector.