Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah
By JOHN ONAH, Abuja –
Nigeria’s maritime industry has the potential of generating over $30 billion annually if fully developed.
Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah, disclosed this in Abuja over the weekend during an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the Top 10 Magazine’s Man of the Year and Excellence Awards 2024.
Akutah, who received the Regulator of the Year award at the ceremony, lauded recent sectoral reforms initiated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the creation of the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry.
He described the ministry’s establishment as a pivotal move to reposition the industry for significant economic growth.
“This is my first award since joining the maritime industry. For us at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, we are looking forward to transitioning into a full-fledged Port Economic Regulatory Agency—something that has been missing since the 2007 sector reforms,” he said.
According to him, the National Assembly has already passed the necessary legislation to establish the regulatory agency, and he expressed confidence that President Tinubu’s assent would soon follow.
“Once signed into law, the Shippers’ Council will evolve into a fully empowered Port Economic Regulatory Agency. This will enable us to tackle longstanding inefficiencies and streamline operations within the sector,” he explained.
He further emphasized that increased efficiency would bolster fair trade policies and enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global maritime industry.
“When compared to other maritime economies in West Africa and beyond, Nigeria has the potential to generate $30 billion annually if the sector is properly developed,” Akutah stated.
The NSC boss called on industry stakeholders and the public to support the government’s policies aimed at strengthening the maritime sector for long-term economic sustainability.
Earlier in a welcome address, the Top 10 Magazine publisher, Tony Iji, commended all award recipients for their contributions to national development.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, received The Man of the Year award, while Chief Mrs. Folasade Tinubu-Ojo received the Woman of the Year honor.
Other award recipients include: Dr Uche Ogah as Business Person of the Year, Bamanga Jada as Young Public Official of the Year, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu as Anti-corruption Champion of the Year and Barr. Mrs Veronica Ndanusa as Female Transformative Leader of the Year, among others.
