Port Reforms: Shippers’ Council takes regulatory campaign to international conference

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening regulatory reforms and improving operational efficiency in Nigeria’s port sector through active stakeholder engagement and institutional transformation initiatives.

The Council made this known during the 2026 International Civil Service Conference and Exhibition held in Abuja, where it showcased its activities and achievements as the nation’s Port Economic Regulator.

The conference, themed “Reforms, Resilience and Results,” attracted participants from across the public service sector and provided a platform for discussions on governance reforms, digital transformation, and improved service delivery within government institutions.

At the exhibition, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council highlighted several initiatives aimed at promoting transparency, fairness, and efficiency in port operations. The agency also showcased its stakeholder sensitisation programmes and efforts geared toward creating a more competitive and business-friendly maritime environment.

Officials of the Council noted that continuous engagement with industry players remains critical to achieving seamless port operations and addressing challenges affecting trade facilitation in the country.

Speaking during a visit to the Council’s exhibition stand, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, commended the agency for its commitment to regulatory reforms and its role in advancing efficiency within the maritime sector.

She praised the Council’s sustained interaction with stakeholders and lauded the effective presentation of its regulatory mandate at the conference.

According to her, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has continued to play a strategic role in promoting fair trade practices and improving confidence among port users through its regulatory interventions.

The event also featured deliberations on innovation in public administration, resilience in governance systems, and the growing role of technology in enhancing transparency and accountability across public institutions.

Industry observers say the Council’s participation at the conference further underscores ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to reposition the maritime sector as a key driver of economic growth under the Marine and Blue Economy agenda.