NSC pledges faster cargo clearance

In a bid to address persistent inefficiencies in Nigeria’s port operations, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has announced a bold reform plan aimed at drastically reducing cargo dwell time and vessel turnaround duration to meet regional standards.

This was disclosed during the opening of a two-day NSC Management System Retreat held in Lagos, themed “Achieving Strategic Intents Through Performance Lens.” The retreat also marked the unveiling of the Council’s 2025–2029 strategic plan aligned with the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy’s vision.

Dr. Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary/CEO of NSC, declared that the Council must transition from a paper-heavy, bureaucratic agency to a performance-oriented institution focused on tangible outcomes. “Current cargo dwell time and vessel turnaround statistics remain unacceptable. The days of manual processing must come to an end,” he stated.

To this end, Akutah directed the Regulatory Services and ICT departments to jointly develop a real-time integrated performance dashboard in collaboration with terminal operators and the Nigeria Customs Service. The system will provide live updates on vessel and cargo movements, forming a core part of monthly performance reviews.

He also set a December 2025 deadline for the full deployment of the NSC’s Enterprise Content Management system. “All internal documentation must migrate to the digital platform by the end of Q3 2025,” Akutah warned, adding that noncompliant departments will face administrative penalties.

Akutah emphasized a shift to key performance indicator (KPI)-based assessments for all staff, with future promotions and postings tied strictly to measurable outcomes. The Human Resources and Strategic Planning departments are now tasked with finalizing and executing these performance contracts.

On infrastructure, the NSC chief identified Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) and Border Information Centres as priority projects. Facilities in Jos, Ogun, Kano, Potiskum, and key border locations must progress beyond planning into full implementation, with biweekly updates mandated.

Earlier, NSC Director of Strategic Planning and Research, Rotimi Anifowoshe, said the retreat was a reaffirmation of the Council’s commitment to continuous improvement and institutional realignment with national development goals. He highlighted that the performance bond signed between the Executive Secretary and departmental heads signifies a new era of accountability and governance.

As Nigeria continues to modernize its maritime ecosystem, the NSC’s strategic overhaul is expected to play a pivotal role in reducing inefficiencies, boosting port competitiveness, and unlocking trade potential under the blue economy framework.