Shippers’ Council 2026 Retreat Ignites Execution Revolution With Salary Hikes, Digital Overhaul, Bill Progression
By Roland Ekama
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) kicked off its 2026 Strategic at the Conference Hotel Limited in Ogun State, uniting the Governing Board, executive management, directors, and key stakeholders under the theme: “Advancing Strategic Execution: Driving Collaboration, Innovation and Excellence for a Future-Ready NSC.”
In his keynote, Dr. Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah announced that a proposed salary review for staff has secured approval from the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF), describing the retreat as a pivot from strategy to delivery.
He noted that the proposal is now in final vetting by the Budget Office, awaiting National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission approval for implementation.
He noted that “Management remains optimistic that the process will soon be concluded. In addition, several welfare improvements have been introduced, including, Upward review of the Children Education Grant to per term, introduction of Health and Social Club allowances; and introduction of Proficiency Allowances to encourage professional development.”
On the Nigeria Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill—previously passed by the National Assembly but returned for fixes over conflicts with the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025—he shared that the amended version has cleared the House of Representatives and awaits Senate concurrence and presidential assent.
The council’s boss noted that”Once enacted, it will solidify NSC’s role as a robust port economic regulator.A standout moment was the launch of the Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS) to streamline document management, automate workflows, and boost transparency. Management detailed further digital reforms: digitized approvals, integrated transport-ICT processes, electronic documentation, and data-driven decisions across departments.
Governing Board Chairman Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema pledged strategic oversight aligned with Nigeria’s economic goals, emphasizing port regulation and blue economy growth for competitiveness.
Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy Permanent Secretary Mrs. Fatima Sugra T. Mahmood, in a goodwill message, called the retreat timely, urging deeper ties with terminal operators, shipping lines, freight forwarders, and agencies to enhance digital governance and efficiency.
Director of Strategic Planning and Research Rotimi Anifowoshe, in his welcome address, stressed that under the NSC 2030 Strategic Direction, the Council aims to become a credible port regulator, tech-savvy institution, and key driver of trade competitiveness.
He warned against silos, advocating integrated planning, regulatory alignment, stakeholder sync, and performance accountability.The retreat’s core message: A transformed NSC will rise through disciplined execution, unified leadership, innovation, and results.