Business

NSC eyes technology-driven future at 2026 strategic management retreat

By Ezurike Ugochukwu

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has commenced its 2026 Strategic Management Retreat in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with a renewed focus on transforming the Council into a technology-driven and globally competitive maritime regulatory institution.

The five-day retreat holding at the Confluence Hotel from March 4 to March 8 is bringing together members of the Governing Board, management staff and key stakeholders. It’s expected to review strategic priorities, strengthen institutional collaboration and develop actionable plans to enhance regulatory efficiency and Nigeria’s competitiveness in global maritime trade.

Dr. Paius Akutah welcoming Ibrahim Shema to the retreat

With the theme “Advancing Strategic Execution: Driving Collaboration, Innovation and Excellence for a Future-Ready NSC,” the meeting is designed to review the Council’s operational strategy and align it with Nigeria’s emerging maritime and blue economy priorities.

Chairman of the NSC Governing Board, Ibrahim S. Shema, said the maritime sector remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth, noting that the Council will continue to support the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in developing policies that unlock the country’s vast marine potential.

According to him, Nigeria’s over 850-kilometre coastline, expansive inland waterways and rich marine resources present significant opportunities for economic expansion.

Shema explained that targeted investments in port infrastructure, shipping services, fisheries, aquaculture, offshore energy and coastal tourism could create millions of jobs while strengthening Nigeria’s participation in global maritime trade.

The board chairman stressed that closer collaboration between the governing board, management staff and industry stakeholders would be critical to achieving the council’s mandate. He added that the council will continue to encourage innovation, efficiency and stronger partnerships across the maritime ecosystem.

The board chairman also urged staff to maintain professionalism and institutional discipline, warning against the public airing of internal grievances which could undermine the credibility of the Council.

In its remarks, management emphasized the need for effective implementation of the council’s NSC 2030 Strategic Direction, which seeks to transform the agency into a technology-driven and globally respected maritime regulatory institution.

The framework is expected to position the council as a credible Port Economic Regulator, a technology-enabled organisation, a proactive stakeholder partner, and a key contributor to Nigeria’s trade competitiveness.

Management noted that many institutions fail not because of poor planning but due to weak execution, stressing the need for stronger coordination across departments to ensure that planning aligns with operational delivery.

Participants were also encouraged to deepen operational integration to improve institutional performance, strengthen regulatory efficiency and enhance data-driven decision making within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Shema further commended the Council’s leadership for advancing the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Bill (NPERA) currently before the National Assembly of Nigeria, expressing optimism that the legislation would soon receive approval and presidential assent.

The legislation he said once enacted is expected to strengthen regulatory oversight within Nigeria’s port industry and reinforce the Council’s role as the country’s port economic regulator.

The retreat is expected to produce clear implementation strategies and performance targets that will guide the Council’s activities in the coming year while positioning the NSC to play a stronger role in advancing Nigeria’s marine and trade ecosystem.