Efforts to improve cargo movement and curb operational bottlenecks at Nigeria’s ports received a boost as the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Port Authority Police (Western) agreed to strengthen collaboration through intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement strategies.
In his address, during a courtesy visit to the Council by the Commissioner of Police, Port Authority Police (Western) Command, CP, Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON emphasized that both the Council and the Police operate within the same port environment, making synergy essential for efficiency and national economic growth.
Dr. Akutah called for improved intelligence sharing and stronger stakeholders engagement, noting that effective collaboration would help reduce cargo dwell time and eliminate unnecessary disruptions.
The NSC boss also raised concerns over the arrest of containers that had already been duly cleared, stressing the need for better coordination to avoid delays in cargo movement.
He further agreed that sustained collaboration would promote seamless cargo movement, enhance regulatory enforcement, and strengthen Nigeria’s port competitiveness.
He urged both agencies to jointly review police alert mechanisms and work together to curb insecurity within the ports
Earlier, speaking, the Police Commissioner, Agbaminoja, described the Council as a key institution in Nigeria’s maritime governance structure and reiterated the Command’s commitment to providing adequate security for port users and infrastructure.
She assured the Council’s management of the Command’s readiness to enhance cooperation in tackling emerging security threats and operational challenges within the port system.
According to her, the Command remains ready to support the Council in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities, particularly in dispute resolution, enforcement of lawful activities, port user protection and monitoring of cargo movement within the port corridor.
Both institutions agreed that sustained collaboration would promote seamless cargo movement, enhance regulatory enforcement, and strengthen Nigeria’s port competitiveness.
