Harboursandport.com: Abeokuta, Ogun State – March 6, 2026: The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council, NSC, Akutah Pius, has that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejected the Nigeria Port Economic Regulatory Agency, NPERA Bill because existing conflict with Nigerian Tax Administration Act.
Akutah disclosed that the House of Representatives has since corrected the provisions, and the revised bill now awaits Senate concurrence.
Akutah said this at the Council's 2026 Strategic Management Retreat, a four-day event designed to strengthen collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The retreat, themed “Advancing Strategic Execution: Driving Collaboration, Innovation and Excellence for a Future-Ready NSC,” runs from March 4–7 in Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Chairman of the NSC Governing Board, Ibrahim Shema, underscored the strategic role of the maritime industry in Nigeria’s economic development. He emphasized that the country’s 850-kilometer coastline, inland waterways, and marine resources hold vast potential for expansion in port infrastructure, shipping services, fisheries, aquaculture, offshore energy, and coastal tourism.
According to him, these investments could generate millions of jobs and boost Nigeria’s share in global maritime trade.
Shema stressed that collaboration among the Governing Board, management, and industry stakeholders is vital to achieving the Council’s objectives. He also urged staff to uphold professionalism and avoid airing internal grievances publicly, warning that such actions could undermine the Council’s credibility.
Representing the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Fatima Sugra Mahmood, Kalthum Ibrahim praised the NSC for hosting the retreat at a time of significant transformation in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
She described the Council as pivotal in executing its regulatory mandate to enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s ports and called for continuous engagement with terminal operators, shipping companies, and other stakeholders.
Akutah noted that once signed into law, the bill will strengthen Nigeria’s port regulatory framework and expand the Council’s mandate. He also announced progress on a proposed salary review, which has received approval from the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. The proposal is currently under vetting by the Budget Office before final consideration by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
Additional welfare initiatives include an upward review of the Children Education Grant, introduction of Health and Social Club allowances, and Proficiency Allowances to encourage professional development.
Akutah charged staff to embrace the Council’s transformation agenda, emphasizing three pillars—collaboration, innovation, and excellence—as essential to institutional growth. He urged directors and heads of units to align departmental priorities with the NSC’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan and inspire their teams toward measurable results.
“Institutions do not transform themselves; people transform institutions,” he said, calling on staff to take ownership of the Council’s future.
In his welcome address, Director of Strategic Planning and Research, Rotimi Anifowose, highlighted the growing demand for efficiency, predictability, and transparency in the maritime sector. He stressed that effective execution is critical to deepening stakeholder confidence, strengthening institutional credibility, and ensuring the Council’s contribution to national economic objectives.
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