Nigerian Shippers’ Council Kicks Off 2026 Strategic Management Retreat in Abeokuta

Nigerian Shippers’ Council Kicks Off 2026 Strategic Management Retreat in Abeokuta

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has launched its 2026 Strategic Management Retreat, a four-day event focused on enhancing collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence within Nigeria’s maritime sector. The retreat, themed “Advancing Strategic Execution: Driving Collaboration, Innovation and Excellence for a Future-Ready NSC”, is taking place from March 4–7, 2026, in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

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During the opening session, the Chairman of the Governing Board, Dr. Ibrahim Shema, CON, underscored the pivotal role of the maritime sector in Nigeria’s economic development, noting that the country’s extensive 850-kilometer coastline, inland waterways, and marine resources present significant opportunities for growth. He emphasized that strategic investments in port infrastructure, shipping, fisheries, aquaculture, offshore energy, and coastal tourism could generate millions of jobs and boost Nigeria’s share in global maritime trade.

Dr. Shema stressed the importance of strong collaboration between the Governing Board, management staff, and industry stakeholders, highlighting that professionalism and institutional discipline are key to maintaining the Council’s credibility.

Representing the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Permanent Secretary Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, through Hajia Kalthum Ibrahim, Director of Research, Planning and Statistics, commended the NSC for hosting the retreat amid significant transformation in the maritime sector. She urged continuous engagement with terminal operators, shipping companies, and other stakeholders to promote competitiveness in Nigeria’s ports.

NSC Executive Secretary and CEO, Dr. Akutah Pius, MON, addressed the status of the awaited Nigeria Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill, explaining that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu returned the legislation to the National Assembly due to conflicts with the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025. The House of Representatives has since corrected the issues, and the revised Bill awaits Senate concurrence. Once assented, the legislation will strengthen Nigeria’s port economic regulatory framework and expand the Council’s mandate.

Dr. Akutah also highlighted staff welfare improvements, including a review of the Children Education Grant, the introduction of Health and Social Club allowances, and Proficiency Allowances to support professional development. He urged staff to maintain ethical standards, avoid gossip, and uphold the highest levels of professionalism, confidentiality, and institutional responsibility.

Emphasizing the retreat’s theme, he explained the three strategic imperatives driving NSC’s institutional development: Collaboration, to operate effectively within a complex maritime ecosystem; Innovation, to adapt to the dynamics of global trade and logistics; and Excellence, to ensure the regulator’s credibility and authority through high performance and integrity.

Dr. Akutah called on Directors and Heads of Units to embrace institutional transformation and execute the 2025–2029 Strategic Plan with measurable results, stressing that “institutions do not transform themselves, people transform institutions, and the responsibility for that transformation begins with us.”

Earlier, Mr. Rotimi Anifowose, Director of Strategic Planning and Research, noted that with increasing demands for efficiency, predictability, and transparency, effective execution is essential to strengthen stakeholder confidence, institutional credibility, and the NSC’s contribution to national economic objectives.

The retreat provides a platform for NSC leadership to align priorities, foster innovation, and reinforce operational excellence across Nigeria’s maritime sector.

Nigerian Shippers’ Council Kicks Off 2026 Strategic Management Retreat in Abeokuta