NSC Seeks Stronger Collaboration with Navy to Boost Maritime Security
The Nigeria Shippers’ Council (NSC) has called for deeper operational collaboration with the Nigerian Navy to curb criminal activities within the maritime domain and enhance investor confidence in the nation’s port system.
The Executive Secretary of the council, Dr Pius Akutah, made the appeal in Lagos while receiving a delegation from the Western Naval Command on a courtesy visit to the council’s headquarters.
Akutah noted that as the port economic regulator, the NSC remained committed to protecting shippers’ interests and ensuring the safe and seamless movement of cargo across Nigeria’s maritime corridors.
According to him, over 90 per cent of Nigeria’s international trade is conducted through sea transport, making maritime security a vital pillar for economic stability and trade expansion, a responsibility largely handled by the Navy.
He described the Navy as a strategic stakeholder in port operations and stressed that sustained collaboration between both institutions would further strengthen regulatory efficiency and cargo security across Nigerian ports.
Akutah said ongoing reforms within the port system were aimed at repositioning the maritime sector through improved authorisation processes and digital transformation initiatives championed by the Federal Government.
He disclosed that the National Single Window (NSW) would commence full operations in March, with the council serving as a principal partner in its implementation.
According to him, automation under the NSW platform would enhance operational efficiency, transparency and cargo clearance processes at Nigerian ports.
He added that regulatory reforms in the maritime industry align with the Federal Government’s broader economic agenda of growing Nigeria’s economy to a one-trillion-dollar target by 2030.
Akutah also assured the Navy of the council’s participation in activities marking its forthcoming 70th anniversary in May 2026, reaffirming support toward achieving zero piracy within Nigerian territorial waters.
Earlier, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, said the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional relationships capable of driving economic growth through safer maritime operations.
Mustapha stated that the Western Naval Command, acting under directives from the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, had maintained a sustained naval presence at sea to deter criminal activities.
He explained that naval operations represent an intersection between security enforcement and trade facilitation, both of which contribute directly to national economic development.
According to him, sustained naval patrols have stabilised Nigeria’s maritime environment, enabling smoother trade operations and improved confidence among shipping operators.
The FOC acknowledged a significant reduction in piracy incidents within Nigeria’s territorial waters, adding that the command would continue leveraging technology-driven intelligence and enhanced maritime domain awareness to monitor identified hotspots.
Mustapha said intensified surveillance and early-warning systems had strengthened the Navy’s capacity to deny criminals freedom of action within the country’s waters and solicited the council’s partnership in commemorating the Navy’s 70 years of safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime space.
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