Nigerian ports cargo dwell-time, vessel turnaround statistics unacceptable — Shippers Council

The Executive Secretary/CEO of the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Ukeyima, on Wednesday lamented over the current cargo dwell time and vessel turnaround time at Nigerian ports, stating that the statistics for both vessel turnaround time and cargo dwell time remain unacceptable.

Delivering his keynote address during the Management System Retreat held in Lagos on Wednesday, the NSC Boss commended the bold and reform-oriented leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the astute leadership of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, stating rhat the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government has injected a new sense of clarity and urgency into the governance of Nigeria’s strategic sectors.

According to Ukeyima, “Under Mr. President’s direction, the Federal Government has made an unambiguous statement through the creation of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy – entrusted with transforming Nigeria’s vast ocean economy into a catalyst for diversification, growth, and sustainability.

“We are equally privileged to be under the astute leadership of the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, whose visionary approach, steady guidance, and tireless commitment have galvanized key institutions within the sector, including our own Council, to embrace innovation, reform, and measurable impact.

“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council can no longer afford to operate as a process-heavy, paper-driven bureaucracy. We must now define our success not by our activities, but by our outcomes. Not by intentions, but by results.

“The Federal Government, through its National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, has placed performance at the centre of national development. It is a call for institutions like ours to show leadership in: Facilitating trade, Improving port efficiency, Strengthening inter-agency coordination, Accelerating port infrastructure delivery, Enhancing stakeholder confidence, and Mainstreaming sustainability across the logistics value chain

“The Strategic Plan (2025–2029) developed by the Council, and the retreat that convenes us here today, reflect our response to that call. I wish to now outline our strategic imperatives and issue clear policy directives to guide implementation over the next five years.

“The Council must serve as both a policy anchor and delivery vehicle in support of the Ministry’s goals. Our mandates align with the policy’s strategic thrusts, including trade logistics, cargo management, and port infrastructure development.

“All departments — particularly Legal Services, Strategic Planning, & Research, Regulatory Services, Consumer Affairs, Inland Transport Services, and Zonal Coordinators, are to align annual workplans with relevant components of the national policy. Quarterly reports evidencing this alignment shall henceforth be submitted to the ES/CEO’s Office and transmitted to the Ministry.

“Current cargo dwell time and vessel turnaround statistics at our ports remain unacceptable. We must work to ensure that cargo clearing timelines in Nigerian ports are reduced to match regional benchmarks.

“By the end of Q3 2025, all internal memos, approvals, correspondences, and record-keeping must migrate to the ECM platform. Any department that fails to comply will face administrative sanctions.

Infrastructure remains central to our mandate. “Projects such as the Jos Inland Dry Port, Gateway IDP (Ogun), Kano Dala IDP, Potiskum VTA, and Border Information Centres must move beyond paperwork and into full execution.

“The Inland Transport Services Department, PPP and relevant zonal coordinators are to provide fortnightly progress reports. The ES/CEO will personally monitor project timelines, budget adherence, and stakeholder engagement.

“A regulator that is not responsive to its stakeholders loses legitimacy. We must engage constructively, communicate clearly, and act decisively.

“The PR Unit, Consumer Affairs Department, and Strategic Planning Department must institutionalise quarterly stakeholder forums, release public-facing regulatory newsletters, and establish a formal complaint-resolution tracker.

Colleagues, no institution is stronger than its people. This administration will prioritise talent development, onboarding, mentorship, and welfare.

“HRM must roll out a structured induction process for all new staff within 30 days of employment. Additionally, the Council will institutionalise a Leadership and Innovation Development Series for senior officers, starting from Q3 2025.

“We must now move from good intentions to disciplined execution. From this retreat, I expect that every Director, Deputy Director, and Unit Head will return with a clear action plan, a revised mindset, and a renewed sense of urgency.

“The Office of the Executive Secretary shall provide the platform, tools, and support. But I shall also demand full compliance, regular reporting, and visible transformation in every department and unit. As I have often said: performance is not an option. It is the new culture.

“In closing, I wish to reiterate my appreciation to the Honourable Minister for his support and commitment to repositioning the maritime sector as a key enabler of Nigeria’s prosperity.

“I thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his courageous leadership in entrusting this strategic industry to purposeful and reform-minded leadership.”

Speaking earlier, the NSC Director, Strategic Planning and Research Department, Mr. Rotimi Anifowoshe explained that the Management System Retreat will witness the validation of the Council’s recently concluded strategic planning session, and the signing of the performance bond between the Executive Secretary and the Heads of Departments and Units.

“Our recent strategic planning session was not merely a routine exercise. It was a participatory and reflective engagement designed to realign our institutional vision, mission, and goals especially with curent transitional period and future expectations.

“The insights, ideas, and recommendations gathered during that session have been meticulously documented in the draft report, which we are here today to validate,” Mr. Anifowoshe stated.

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