The Nigeria Shippers’ Council has called for stronger operational collaboration with the Nigerian Navy to curb criminal activities within the maritime domain and enhance investor confidence in the nation’s port system.

NSC’s executive secretary, Pius Akutah, made the appeal on Thursday when a delegation from the western naval command paid a courtesy visit to the council’s headquarters in Lagos.

Mr Akutah noted that as the port economic regulator, the council remained deeply committed to protecting shippers’ interests while ensuring the safe and seamless movement of cargo across the country’s maritime corridors.

According to him, more than 90 per cent of Nigeria’s international trade was conducted by sea, making maritime security a critical 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.

Mr Akutah stressed that sustained collaboration between both institutions would further strengthen regulatory efficiency and cargo security across Nigerian ports.

Mr Akutah explained that 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 much-anticipated National Single Window would commence full operations in March, with the council serving as a principal partner in its implementation.

The NSC boss added that automation under the National Single Window platform would significantly enhance operational efficiency, transparency, and cargo clearance processes at Nigerian ports.

He explained that regulatory reforms in the maritime industry were aligned with the federal government’s broader economic agenda of growing Nigeria’s economy to the N1 trillion target by 2030.

Mr Akutah also assured the Navy of the council’s participation in activities marking the Navy’s forthcoming 70th anniversary, scheduled for May 2026, reaffirming support for achieving zero piracy within Nigerian territorial waters.

The command’s flag officer commanding, Abubakar Mustapha, said the visit was aimed at strengthening institutional relationships capable of driving economic growth through safer maritime operations.

(NAN)