Police–Shippers’ Council partnership targets seamless cargo movement

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Ports Authority Police (Western) Command have renewed their commitment to strengthening inter-agency collaboration aimed at enhancing port security and operational efficiency across Nigeria’s maritime sector.

This renewed synergy was underscored during a maiden courtesy visit by the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, to the Council’s headquarters in Lagos.

The visit reinforced the need for coordinated security architecture within the nation’s port ecosystem.

During the engagement, CP Agbaminoja described the Council as a pivotal institution in regulating, facilitating, and safeguarding Nigeria’s shipping and port economic interests.

Addressing the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Akutah Pius, alongside directors and senior management staff, she noted that her visit was both symbolic and strategic, designed to deepen institutional collaboration and operational understanding between the two agencies.

The Police Commissioner explained that the mandate of the Council as Port Economic Regulator aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Ports Authority Police Command in maintaining a secure and conducive environment for trade facilitation, cargo movement, and the protection of critical national infrastructure.

She reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to proactive policing, intelligence-driven operations, and sustained stakeholder engagement.

According to her, sustainable port security can only be achieved through continuous partnership and effective information sharing among maritime stakeholders. She assured that the Command stands ready to support the Council in dispute resolution, enforcement of lawful activities, port user protection, and monitoring cargo movement within the port corridor.

Professionalism, responsiveness, and collaboration, she added, would remain central to her leadership approach in fostering investment and operational stability.

In his response, Dr. Akutah emphasized that both institutions operate within the same port ecosystem, making collaboration inevitable. He advocated strengthened intelligence sharing, structured joint training initiatives, and enhanced stakeholder engagement to improve coordination.

The NSC boss raised specific concerns over the arrest of already cleared containers at the ports, urging improved communication to prevent operational disruptions and unnecessary cargo delays. He also called for a review of police alert procedures and joint strategies to tackle insecurity within the port environment.

Dr. Akutah maintained that the renewed partnership aligns with the Council’s broader mandate to promote efficiency, transparency, and seamless cargo movement across Nigeria’s ports, noting that sustained inter-agency cooperation remains key to unlocking greater competitiveness in the maritime sector.