NSC Restates Calls Against Cleared Container Seizure, Deepens Partnership With Port Police
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council(NSC), for the umptheenth time,has condemned the culture of arresting cleared containers on the road by Nigerian Police and other security authorities, calling for deepened institutional collaborations to improve the ease of doing business at the ports corridor.
The Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah, raised this concern during a courtesy visit to the Council’s headquarters by the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police(Western) Command,CP Oluwatoyin Agbaminoja, on Thursday in Lagos.
The NSC boss called for synergy to strengthen security and improve operational standards in the nation’s port system, to prevent operational disruptions and unnecessary delays that affect cargo dwell time,
highlighting, among other things,one of the reasons for the visit.
Dr. Akutah emphasized that both institutions operate within the same port ecosystem, making collaboration not only necessary but inevitable.
He called for strengthened intelligence sharing, structured training mechanisms, and enhanced stakeholders engagement between the Council and the Police Command.
He also highlighted the need to review police alert procedures and jointly address insecurity concerns within the port environment.
Dr. Pius stated that the renewed partnership would align with the Council’s mandate to promote efficiency, transparency, and seamless cargo movement across Nigeria’s ports.
Speaking during the visit, CP Agbaminoja, described the Council as a pivotal institution in the regulation, facilitation, and protection of Nigeria’s shipping and port economic interests.
Addressing the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Akutah, alongside directors and senior management staff, the Police Commissioner said the visit was both symbolic and strategic, aimed at strengthening institutional collaboration and deepening operational understanding between both agencies.
She noted that the Council’s mandate as Port Economic Regulator aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Ports Authority Police Command in ensuring a secure and conducive environment for trade facilitation, cargo movement, and the protection of critical national infrastructure.
The CP reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and stakeholders’ engagement, stressing that sustainable port security can only be achieved through continuous partnership and information sharing among maritime stakeholders.
According to her, the Command remains ready to support the Council in the discharge of its statutory responsibilities, particularly in dispute resolution, enforcement of lawful activities, port user protection, and monitoring cargo movement within the port corridor.
She further assured that under her leadership, professionalism, responsiveness, and collaboration would remain top priorities to foster investment and operational stability within the maritime sector.
