In a move to streamline operations and enhance transparency in Nigeria’s maritime sector, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has unveiled a new digital platform for the registration of regulated port service providers and users. The initiative was formally introduced at a stakeholder sensitization forum held on Tuesday in Kaduna.
The newly launched portal allows users to complete the entire registration process remotely, eliminating the need for in-person visits to NSC offices. This development is part of the Council’s ongoing efforts to digitize its operations and improve service delivery.
Executive Secretary and CEO of the Council, Barr. Pius Akutah, represented by the Deputy Director of Stakeholders Engagement, Mrs. Adaba Hannah, emphasized the importance of the initiative in fulfilling the Council’s regulatory mandate.
“This sensitization programme on the Online Portal for the Registration of Regulated Port Service Providers and Users is a critical part of our mandate,” he said. “As the Port Economic Regulator, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains committed to enhancing efficiency, transparency, and compliance in the port and shipping sector.”
Akutah noted that the online registration is supported by Part II, Section 4(1) of the Port Economic Regulation 2015, which mandates registration for all regulated entities. The portal simplifies this process, enabling stakeholders to submit documentation and payments digitally.
He further explained that the registration portal aligns with the Council’s broader goal of reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and fostering ease of doing business within the maritime industry. The initiative is also tied to the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), which aims to improve cargo tracking, increase revenue assurance, and bolster national security.
“The ICTN is a strategic initiative that enhances cargo visibility, combats under-declaration, and strengthens trade operations,” he added. “The registration of service providers and users is a critical component of this system.”
Welcoming participants to the forum, Director of the North West Zonal Directorate of the NSC, Ahmed Umar Yazah, reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to protecting the interests of shippers and improving operational efficiency across all transport modes.
Yazah highlighted the NSC’s track record in resolving disputes and addressing inefficiencies in port operations. “Our interventions have helped recover over N6 billion for individual and corporate shippers in Nigeria,” he revealed.
He encouraged attendees to actively engage in the sensitization programme and take advantage of the portal’s features. “This platform provides a seamless means of capturing accurate shipper information, enabling better interaction and engagement with stakeholders.”
The event also featured technical demonstrations on navigating the portal, completing registrations, and understanding the compliance benefits. Representatives from various organizations, including the Nigeria Customs Service, Kaduna State Ministry of Innovation, Trade and Investment, Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), freight forwarding groups, and the Kaduna State Shippers’ Association, were in attendance.
Yazah concluded with a call for continuous dialogue: “We operate an open-door policy and welcome all feedback—whether suggestions or criticisms—as we work to improve our regulatory services and strengthen partnerships within the sector.”
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