Collaboration, institutional synergy key to driving Nigeria’s non-oil export growth – Akutah

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, MON, has stressed the need for stronger collaboration and institutional synergy among stakeholders to unlock Nigeria’s non-oil export potential and drive sustainable economic growth.

Akutah made the call at a one-day National Export Efficiency Stakeholders’ Roundtable held in Lagos with the theme: “Building an Efficient Non-Oil Export Ecosystem: Addressing Port, Shipping and Logistics Challenges for Sustainable Growth.”

Represented by the Director of Strategic Planning and Research, Mr. Rotimi Anifowose, the NSC boss said the roundtable was convened to deepen stakeholder engagement, align operational processes, and develop practical solutions to persistent bottlenecks hindering non-oil exports.

He reiterated the Council’s commitment, in its role as the nation’s Port Economic Regulator, to promoting transparency, fairness, and efficiency in port and shipping operations.

According to him, improving Nigeria’s non-oil export performance requires seamless coordination among government agencies, private sector operators, logistics providers, and financial institutions.

Also speaking, the Director of Special Duties, Mr. Moses Abere, represented by Deputy Director, Synergy and Collaboration, Mrs. Austina Ogbonnaya, highlighted the urgent need to reduce operational bottlenecks affecting exporters, improve competitiveness, and enhance efficiency across the maritime and logistics value chain.

She identified the implementation of the National Single Window project as central to ongoing reforms, noting that the initiative is expected to automate port processes, reduce delays, improve transparency, and facilitate seamless trade operations.

In his presentation, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Multi-Mix Academy, Dr. Obiora Madu, outlined five critical pillars required to boost non-oil export efficiency: corridor efficiency, port productivity, shipping connectivity, trade documentation, and access to export finance.

He also advocated the establishment of a National Export Logistics Coordination Platform to improve operational alignment and strengthen export competitiveness.

The roundtable featured a panel session with representatives from key agencies, including the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigeria Customs Service, Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service, NACCIMA, Nigeria Police Force, and NAGAFF.

Participants commended the Nigerian Shippers’ Council for convening the forum and reaffirmed support for its leadership in policy advocacy, stakeholder coordination, and trade facilitation.

The meeting concluded that building an efficient non-oil export ecosystem in Nigeria is achievable through collective accountability, sustained investment in infrastructure, digital transformation, and commitment to procedural transparency.