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By Steve Agbota
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Nigerian Navy have formed a strategic partnership to boost the nation’s maritime security and operational efficiency in the ports.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr Akutah Pius, reiterated the critical role of maritime security in driving port efficiency, trade facilitation, and the growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.
However, he said that over 90 per cent of global trade is transported by sea, making security within Nigeria’s maritime domain indispensable to the Council’s mandate as Port Economic Regulator.
He described the Navy as a key strategic partner in ensuring cargo safety, operational efficiency, and stability across the nation’s seaports.
He pointed out the Council’s ongoing reforms aimed at reducing cargo dwell time, strengthening stakeholder engagement, promoting port automation, and preparing for the implementation of the National Single Window project, which is expected to streamline trade documentation and improve transparency in the port system.
Meanwhile, he stated that sustained collaboration with the Navy would be pivotal to the success of these initiatives, while he also commended the Navy’s sustained efforts in drastically reducing piracy incidents on Nigeria’s waters.
He noted that the improved security environment has enhanced global shipping confidence and supported Nigeria’s case for removal from war risk classifications that inflate freight costs.
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Speaking earlier, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command, described his visit as both crucial and timely in consolidating the working relationship between the Navy and the Council.
He conveyed the goodwill of the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, while commending the Council’s forward-looking regulatory reforms in the maritime sector.
Rear Admiral Mustapha emphasised that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains one of the country’s most strategic maritime institutions, given its role in regulating shipping activities, protecting shippers’ interests, resolving disputes, and promoting fairness in port operations.
He underscored the strong nexus between regulation and security, stating that both must function together to drive economic growth, saying that without security, ships will not come in, and if ships do not come in, there will be nothing to regulate.
The Naval Commander highlighted key operations under his leadership, including Exercise Omi Ailewu and enhanced ember-month patrol deployments, aimed at curbing criminal activities along Nigeria’s western maritime corridor.
He also referenced the Chief of Naval Staff Annual Sea Inspection Exercise (CASI), which deployed over 16 naval vessels to reinforce Nigeria’s maritime presence, noting that ongoing fleet expansion continues to position the Nigerian Navy as one of the strongest in the sub-region.
Both leaders agreed that deeper collaboration, improved maritime domain awareness through technology, and continuous stakeholder engagement would further stabilise Nigeria’s port environment and support national economic growth.
Discussions also touched on the Nigerian Navy’s forthcoming 70th anniversary celebrations scheduled for May 29 to June 4, which will feature a Presidential Fleet Review and international maritime engagements involving more than 40 countries.
Conversely, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council pledged its participation, describing the milestone as a reflection of the Navy’s enduring role in safeguarding Nigeria’s maritime interests.
