The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening collaboration aimed at advancing the nation’s maritime sector.

The Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer, NSC, Akutah Pius, led the Council’s management team on a courtesy visit to the NPA Headquarters in Lagos, where he called for closer cooperation between both agencies to support President Bola Tinubu’s vision of economic growth through the maritime industry.

Akutah expressed optimism that the leadership qualities and extensive experience of both agencies will help transform the country’s ports, attracting more international trade and boosting revenue generation.

In response, the Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantsoho, appreciated the NSC leadership for their visit and emphasised the need for enhanced partnership to ensure the Apapa port access roads are kept clear for smooth cargo movement.

He highlighted the NPA’s introduction of the electronic call-up system as a crucial step toward decongesting the port corridor.

Regarding the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), Dantsoho underscored its significance to the maritime sector, urging the NSC to actively pursue its implementation across the nation’s ports.

He further called for joint efforts between the NSC and NPA to monitor the activities of port concessionaires to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.

Additionally, Dantsoho stressed the importance of the National Port Community System and the National Single Window initiative, praising the NPA’s pivotal role in their implementation.