Signing Minimum Standards Condition Of Service For Maritime Workers , A Major Achievement In 2024 – Akutah

 

By Roland Ekama

 

The Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) has disclosed that the implementation of International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) will commence in the second quarter of 2025.

Executive Secretary , Nigerian Shippers Council NSC, Pius Akutah who dropped the hint in Oyo State at the Council’s 2025-2029 strategic management retreat, stated that signing the minimum standards conditions of service for maritime workers was a major achievement last year.

Recall that the minimum wages for workers was signed by the Shipping Association of Nigeria and Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MWUN), last year through the intervention of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola and Nigerian Shippers Council under Akutah.

The retreat with theme: Nigerian Shippers Council in 2030 , Harnessing the potentials of the Marine and Blue Economy through global partnerships and sustainable planning featured top management of the agency in attendance.

The Executive Secretary who noted that over the past year, the Council has recorded remarkable achievements,, added that management embarked on a pivotal journey to define the future of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) as it transitions into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA).

Akutah while highlighting the Council’s ongoing transformation into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) reiterated that the retreat marks a critical step in shaping a comprehensive 5-year strategic plan for 2025–2029, designed to advance the maritime sector through enhanced efficiency, adaptability, and innovation.

According to him, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has a proud legacy of resilience and impact—protecting shippers’ interests, fostering fair trade practices, and driving competitiveness within the ports.

Executive Secretary stated that the Council’s 2025 budget is anchored on the 1% freight stabilization fee based on provisions in its current law.

Akutah also expressed optimism that the Council will soon transmute into the Nigerian Shipping and Ports Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA), even as he affirmed that: “Looking ahead, the Council’s 2025 budget is strategically anchored on the 1% freight stabilization fee, with plans to commence its collection upon Presidential assent to the NPERA bill.”

Continuing, he noted that “Our focus during this retreat will revolve around four strategic priorities which include; strengthening stakeholder engagement to foster inclusivity and collaboration, promoting transparency and fairness through predictable regulatory policies, enhancing operational efficiency to prepare for a seamless transition to NPERA, and driving sustainability by aligning economic growth with environmental responsibility.”

Highlighting other achievements in the year 2024, the Council’s boss stressed that launching the operational manual for inland dry ports & hosting the 17th International Maritime Seminar for Judges. and rolling out the online registration portal for regulated port service providers and users are other milestones successes recorded.

Harping on other successes recorded last year, Akutah affirmed that “Developing the E-Regulatory Process Portal (ERPP) and the Confirmation of Reasonableness of Demurrage, Freight Rate, and Charter Party Fees (CRD) Portal; Recovering billions of naira through robust complaints handling mechanisms; Introducing Development Program to strengthen institutional capacity through succession planning.

He reiterated that these accomplishments underscore NSC unwavering commitment to delivering value to stakeholders and ensuring a seamless transition to NPERA.

He stated that “Notably, under the guidance of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) is scheduled for implementation in the second quarter of this year, setting the stage for enhanced revenue generation and operational oversight.

“Looking ahead, the Council’s 2025 budget is strategically anchored on the 1% freight stabilization fee, with plans to commence its collection upon Presidential assent to the NPERA Bill,” Akutah affirmed.