The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has begun enforcing mandatory registration for all regulated port service providers and users, aiming to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the nation’s port sector.
As part of broader reforms, the NSC is also intensifying registration efforts to support the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) system in Nigeria.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement forum in Kano on Tuesday, NSC Executive Secretary Pius Akutah—represented by Deputy Director of Stakeholders Services, Hanna Adaba—highlighted the council’s commitment to transitioning into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency through digital transformation and enhanced trade facilitation.
Akutah stressed the importance of stakeholder compliance with the council’s online registration portal, which is a key step in the automation of port services. He said this automation is designed to eliminate inefficiencies and delays in shipping operations.
“The registration of port service providers is integral to the ICTN framework, as it establishes a structured database of industry operators,” he said. “NSC will continue to engage with stakeholders, enforce compliance, and push for a transparent, competitive maritime sector.”
Akutah also urged all providers and users to complete their registration and secure compliance certificates to avoid sanctions.
NSC Director for the North West zone, Ahmed Umar Yazah, explained that the stakeholder sensitisation forum was held to educate exporters and importers in the region about the digitalisation process.
He noted that the council has established six zonal coordinating offices and 14 area offices nationwide to support port economic activity.
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