The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, has reaffirmed the pivotal role of maritime security in enhancing port efficiency, facilitating trade, and advancing Nigeria’s blue economy.
Dr. Akutah made the remarks during a courtesy visit by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha.
He noted that over 90 percent of global trade cargo is transported by sea, stressing that a secure maritime domain remains indispensable to the Council’s mandate as Port Economic Regulator. According to him, the Navy stands as a strategic partner in ensuring cargo safety, operational stability, and overall efficiency across Nigeria’s ports.
The NSC boss highlighted ongoing reforms by the Council aimed at reducing cargo dwell time, strengthening stakeholder engagement, deepening port automation, and preparing for the rollout of the National Single Window project, which is expected to streamline trade documentation and enhance transparency within the port system. He emphasized that sustained collaboration with the Navy would be critical to the success of these initiatives.
Dr. Akutah also commended the Navy’s sustained anti-piracy operations, noting that the drastic reduction in piracy incidents has boosted global shipping confidence and strengthened Nigeria’s case for removal from war-risk classifications that contribute to high freight costs.
In his remarks, Rear Admiral Mustapha described the visit as timely and strategic in consolidating the working relationship between the Navy and the Council. He conveyed the goodwill of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, and praised the Council’s forward-looking regulatory reforms in the maritime sector.
The Naval Commander underscored the strong nexus between security and regulation, stating that both must function in synergy to drive economic growth.
“Without security, ships will not come in, and if ships do not come in, there will be nothing to regulate,” he said.
Rear Admiral Mustapha highlighted key operations under his leadership, including Exercise Omi Ailewu and enhanced ember-month patrol deployments designed to curb criminal activities along Nigeria’s western maritime corridor. He also referenced the Chief of Naval Staff Annual Sea Inspection Exercise (CASI), which deployed over 16 naval vessels to reinforce Nigeria’s maritime presence, adding that ongoing fleet expansion continues to position the Nigerian Navy among the strongest in the sub-region.
Both leaders agreed that deeper collaboration, improved maritime domain awareness through technology, and sustained stakeholder engagement would further stabilise the port environment and support national economic growth.
Discussions also touched on the Navy’s forthcoming 70th anniversary celebrations scheduled for May 29 to June 4, which will feature a Presidential Fleet Review and international maritime engagements involving more than 40 countries.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council pledged its participation, describing the milestone as a testament to the Navy’s enduring commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests.
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