Akutah seeks stronger collaboration to cut cargo delays, backs NPERA Bill
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has called for stronger collaboration among government agencies at seaports to eliminate cargo delays, reduce damage and minimise legal disputes arising from prolonged operations.
Executive Secretary Dr Pius Akutah Ukeyima made the call during a technical session at the 18th International Maritime Seminar for Judges held in Abuja on Wednesday.
Responding to discussions on cargo delays, Akutah said greater synergy among regulatory agencies is essential to improving operational efficiency and reducing costs across Nigeria’s ports.
He noted that weak inter-agency coordination has continued to pose challenges, leading to avoidable delays, increased costs, cargo deterioration and protracted litigation within the shipping industry.
Akutah said while some experts advocated legislation to protect terminal operators, the proposed Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill designates NSC as statutory Port Economic Regulator.
He stated that the NPERA Bill is expected to provide regulatory framework to address operational and commercial challenges affecting port services and cargo clearance processes nationwide.
According to him, the proposed legislation will strengthen economic regulation, promote efficiency, enhance accountability and create a more predictable business environment for investors and port users.
Akutah described the seminar as a critical platform for strengthening judicial capacity in maritime law and improving resolution of maritime disputes affecting trade and investment.
“The importance of maritime cases cannot be overemphasised. This seminar enables judges to deepen knowledge while stakeholders identify areas requiring improvement for sector growth,” he said.
He added that sustained engagement between judiciary and maritime stakeholders would support industry development by promoting faster and more efficient dispute resolution mechanisms in Nigeria.
Akutah observed that delays in adjudicating maritime cases discourage investment and undermine confidence in the nation’s judicial system, which investors consider before committing capital.
“No investor will bring capital where there is no judicial confidence. We must promote alternative dispute resolution to ensure quicker settlement and inspire investor confidence,” he stated.
Earlier, legal and maritime experts called for a robust legal framework to protect terminal operators under the port concession regime while balancing rights of investors and users.
The three-day seminar, organised by NSC and National Judicial Institute, continues to provide dialogue on contemporary maritime legal issues to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime justice system.