Shippers’ Council Launches Online Registration Portal for Port....

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has taken a major step towards digital transformation with the launch of its online registration portal for regulated port service providers and users.

This development marks a significant milestone in the Council’s efforts to streamline port operations, enhance trade facilitation, and promote efficiency within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Speaking at a sensitization programme held in Kaduna, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the NSC, Barr. Pius Akutah—represented by Deputy Director of Stakeholders Services, Hannah Adaba—stated that the digital platform allows stakeholders to register their companies online without the need for physical visits to NSC offices, provided all necessary documentation and payments are submitted.

“The implementation of the online registration portal represents a significant milestone in our journey toward digital transformation and enhanced trade facilitation,” he said.

“This automation aligns with our broader agenda to eliminate bottlenecks, reduce bureaucracy, and promote ease of doing business in Nigeria’s maritime sector.”

Barr. Akutah reiterated the Council’s commitment to its role as the Port Economic Regulator and its transition into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NIPERA). He emphasized the importance of the mandatory registration process, in line with Part II, Section 4(1) of the Port Economic Regulation 2015.

He also highlighted the strategic importance of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), which aims to enhance cargo visibility, improve revenue assurance, reduce under-declaration, and strengthen national security within trade operations.

“The registration of port service providers and users is a critical component of this initiative. It enables us to maintain a structured database of all industry operators, fostering accountability, efficiency, and data-driven regulation,” he added.

Barr. Akutah urged all stakeholders to complete their registration and obtain the necessary certificates to ensure compliance and avoid sanctions. “We encourage stakeholders to embrace this transition and support the Council’s efforts toward effective port regulation and improved national competitiveness,” he said.

Earlier, the Director of the NSC North-West Zone, Alhaji Ahmed Umar Yazah, emphasized the Council’s unwavering commitment to protecting the interests of Nigerian shippers.

He stated that as a Federal Government parastatal under the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the NSC is tasked with ensuring effective and efficient transport services across all modes—sea, rail, and road—and developing critical transport infrastructure such as Inland Dry Ports (IDPs), Vehicle Transit Areas (VTAs), and Border Information Centres (BICs).

“To support our mandate, we have established six Zonal Coordinating Offices in Kano, Jos, Bauchi, Ibadan, Port Harcourt, and Aba, along with 14 Area Offices nationwide,” he said. “We count on your continued support to help us achieve the legislative backing needed to address trade-related challenges effectively.”

Yazah also addressed recent tariff reviews, including the 2021 and 2023 approved tariff adjustment for the West Africa Container Terminal (WACT), stating that all reviews were done carefully to align with industry benchmarks and current economic realities.

He encouraged participants to take full advantage of the sensitization programme to understand the registration process for regulated service providers. “Through this registration, detailed data about shippers will be captured and processed for seamless engagement and regulatory interactions,” he noted.

Highlighting some of the Council’s recent achievements, he revealed that over ₦6 billion was recovered on behalf of individual and corporate shippers, thanks to the Council’s interventions in resolving port inefficiencies and malpractice.

“In conclusion, we thank you for attending this forum despite the short notice. We operate an open-door policy and welcome all suggestions and constructive feedback aimed at improving our regulatory services and deepening our relationship with stakeholders,” Yazah said.