Maritime stakeholders across Nigeria’s shipping and logistics sector have commended the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Pius Akutah, for his swift and decisive intervention in the recent attempt by shipping companies to review shipping charges in Nigeria.
Clearing agents, importers, exporters, freight forwarders, and port service operators described Dr. Akutah’s timely action as a stabilizing force that prevented what could have escalated into a major crisis within the nation’s maritime and trade ecosystem.
The controversy followed reports of a proposed upward review of shipping charges by some shipping companies operating in the country. Industry observers noted that the proposed adjustments were introduced without sufficient consultation with key stakeholders, raising concerns over potential disruptions at the ports and increased cost of doing business.
However, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, under Akutah’s leadership, promptly intervened by summoning the shipping lines, engaging relevant industry players, and insisting on broad stakeholder consultation before any new charges could be implemented. The intervention effectively halted the unilateral process and restored confidence across the sector.
A clearing agent, Ibrahim Musa, praised the NSC boss for his responsiveness.
He said, “Dr. Pius Akutah acted at the right time. His intervention saved clearing agents and importers from sudden and unjustified increases in shipping costs. This is the kind of leadership the maritime industry needs — proactive, firm, and fair.”
A Lagos-based freight forwarder, Ifeoma Okorie, described the move as a welcome demonstration of effective port economic regulation.
“The Shippers’ Council under Dr. Akutah has proven that it stands with port users. This prompt action nipped in the bud what could have snowballed into a nationwide logistics crisis.”
Importers and exporters also joined in commending the NSC’s intervention. Tunde Adebayo, a spokesperson for a coalition of importers at Apapa Port, noted that sudden cost increases would have had ripple effects on consumer prices.
From the exporters’ perspective, Grace Eze, said the decision reinforced confidence in Nigeria’s trade facilitation framework.
“Export competitiveness depends on predictable shipping costs. The Shippers’ Council’s intervention has preserved stability and investor confidence in our maritime trade environment.”
Stakeholders further applauded Dr. Akutah for consistently promoting dialogue as the cornerstone of maritime governance. They noted that his insistence on inclusive consultation aligns with global best practices, where any review of shipping tariffs or service charges must involve all affected parties.
“Unilateral decisions on shipping charges affect thousands of businesses and millions of Nigerians. Full stakeholder engagement is not optional — it is essential for fairness, transparency, and sustainable port operations,” she said.
Industry analysts believe Dr. Akutah’s handling of the situation has further strengthened the credibility of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as an effective port economic regulator and a dependable mediator between service providers and port users.