The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr. Pius Akutah, has confirmed that the Nigeria Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill is in its final legislative stages. The Bill is currently awaiting concurrence from the Senate before being re-transmitted to President Bola Tinubu for his official assent.
Speaking at the 2026 NSC Management Retreat in Abeokuta, themed “Advancing Strategic Execution: Driving Collaboration, Innovation and Excellence for a Future-Ready NSC,” Akutah provided clarity on the Bill’s trajectory following earlier administrative adjustments.
The Bill was previously returned by the Presidency to the National Assembly to resolve conflicts with the Nigerian Tax Administration Act 2025. Mr. Akutah informed stakeholders that the House of Representatives has successfully addressed these discrepancies.
“I am pleased to inform you that the House of Representatives has addressed the areas of conflict and passed the revised version,” Akutah stated. “The amended Bill is now awaiting concurrence from the Senate. Once assented to, this legislation will provide the statutory foundation for strengthening Nigeria’s port economic regulatory framework.”
In a move to boost morale and institutional capacity, the Executive Secretary announced several key internal developments:
Salary Review: A proposed staff salary review has been approved by the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Head of Civil Service, currently undergoing final vetting by the Budget Office.
Expanded Benefits: Enhancements have been made to the Children Education Grant, alongside new health and social club allowances.
Code of Conduct: Akutah reminded staff of their 2025 Oath of Secrecy and Allegiance, urging professionalism and a departure from misinformation to maintain the Council’s national credibility.
Dr. Ibrahim Shema, Chairman of the NSC Governing Board, and Mrs. Fatima Sugra-Mahmood, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, both underscored the Council’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s maritime future.
The Ministry has specifically tasked the Council with:
Strengthening port cost monitoring systems.
Improving dispute resolution mechanisms.
Clinical execution of the Council’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan.
“In this environment, execution is not optional; it is essential,” added Mr. Rotimi Anifowoshe, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics. “Effective execution deepens stakeholder confidence and ensures our contribution to national economic objectives is measurable.”
