Nigeria’s maritime industry, key driver of job creation, regional integration – Akutah, NSC boss

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has emphasized the maritime industry’s vital role in driving national development, impact on job creation, regional integration, industrial growth, and strengthening Nigeria’s global economic position.

Speaking at the 26th Annual General Meeting and Talk of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) held recently in Lagos, the Executive Secretary/CEO of NSC,

Dr. Akutah Pius, MON,, the Executive Secretary/CEO of NSC, while speaking at the 26th Annual General Meeting and Talk of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) held recently in Lagos, highlighted the industry’s crucial role in job creation, regional integration, industrial growth, and strengthening Nigeria’s global economic position.

Nwonu

Dr. Akutah represented at the meeting by Adaora Nwonu, the Deputy Director, Trade Services Division of NSC while speaking on the theme “Shipping and Maritime: The Backbone of International Trade”, reiterated the need to modernising seaports through automation, connectivity, and promotion of Ease of Doing Business which is essential for the industry’s growth.

He noted that NSC effectively regulates tariffs and charges at ports, preventing arbitrary introductions and ensuring a smooth trade process.

Dr. Akutah also outlined the Council’s key interventions, including the development of infrastructure such as Inland Dry Ports and Vehicle Transit Areas. He further mentioned the NSC’s leadership in implementing the National Single Window (NSW), monitoring port performance, and promoting process harmonization through the Nigerian Port Process Manual (NPPM) in collaboration with other MDAs.

The NSC Boss concluded by calling for a strategic synergy with the International Chamber of Commerce to establish Nigeria as a regional trade hub.