The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Pius Akutah, has highlighted the critical role of middle management officers in achieving the agency’s mandate as a port economic regulator in the evolving maritime operating environment.

Akutah gave the charge yesterday while speaking at the opening ceremony of a four-day operational retreat for grade levels 12 to 14 officers of the Council held from June 24 to 27.

Speaking on the theme, ‘Middle Managers as Catalysts for Excellence and Innovation: Building the Next Generation of Leaders for Institutional Transformation and Sustainable Growth’, Akutah highlighted several strategic initiatives currently being pursued by the Council, including trade facilitation reforms, digital transformation programmes, National Single Window project, economic regulatory interventions, cargo interest protection mechanisms and inland connectivity initiatives.

The NSC boss said the success of these programmes would depend significantly on the commitment, adaptability and leadership capacity of middle management officers.

Referring to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Strategic Plan 2025–2029, Akutah emphasised that strategies alone do not deliver results as effective execution remains the determining factor in achieving organisational goals.

“It is at your level that plans become programmes, policies become actions and aspirations become achievements,” he stated.

Akutah disclosed that the Council was undergoing a significant transformation aimed at strengthening regulatory effectiveness, deepening stakeholder engagement, improving service delivery and embracing digital solutions.

On innovation, Akutah urged officers to challenge inefficiencies, embrace technology, improve operational processes, ensure collaboration and contribute ideas capable of enhancing service delivery and institutional effectiveness.

The NSC boss noted that public confidence in the Council depends largely on the professionalism, transparency, fairness and ethical conduct demonstrated by its workforce, urging officers to uphold the highest standards of honesty, accountability and responsible stewardship of public resources.