The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, has applauded the Nigerian Navy’s aggressive anti-piracy efforts as a game-changer for port operations, cargo safety, and Nigeria’s blue economy .
Speaking during a courtesy visit by Rear Admiral Abubakar Mustapha, Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command,Dr. Akutah emphasized that with over 90 percent of global trade moving by sea, the Navy’s role in slashing piracy incidents has restored shipping confidence, cut freight costs by aiding Nigeria’s exit from war risk lists, and boosted port efficiency as the Council’s key economic regulator.
Akutah highlighted NSC reforms like reducing cargo dwell times, advancing port automation, and rolling out the National Single Window for seamless trade documentation—initiatives that depend on naval security to thrive.
“The Navy ensures cargo safety and operational stability in our ports,” Dr. Akutah said, committing to deeper collaboration for maritime domain awareness and stakeholders engagement”, Executive Secretary noted.
In his speech, Rear Admiral Mustapha reinforced the security-regulation slogan: “Without security, ships won’t come—and without ships, there’s nothing to regulate.”
He detailed operations like Exercise Omi Ailewu, ember-month patrols, and the Chief of Naval Staff Annual Sea Inspection (CASI) with over 16 vessels, plus ongoing fleet growth making Nigeria’s Navy a regional powerhouse.
Both leaders agreed to enhance tech-driven awareness and joint efforts to stabilize ports, curb crime in the western maritime corridor, and fuel economic growth.
