NSC boss explains delay in Ports Regulatory Bill, announces new salary package for staff

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Pius Akutah, has explained the reasons why the much – awaited Nigeria Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill has yet to be signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, despite being transmitted by the National Assembly last year.

This is just as the NSC boss announced that the proposed salary review for staff of the Council has already received approval from the Ministry of Marine & Blue Economy and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF).

Speaking at the 2026 NSC management retreat in Abeokuta on Thursday, Akutah disclosed that the President returned the bill to the National Assembly because certain provisions conflicted with the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025.

“As you are aware, the Bill had earlier been passed by the National Assembly and transmitted for Presidential assent. During the review process, however, certain provisions were observed to conflict with the Nigerian Tax Administration Act (NTAA) 2025. In line with the observations communicated by Mr President, the Bill was returned to the National Assembly for the necessary corrections, ” he said.

Akutah confirmed that the House of Representatives has already corrected the conflicting areas and the revised version is now awaiting concurrence from the Senate.

“I am pleased to inform you that the House of Representatives has addressed the areas of conflict, amended the Bill in line with the President’s comments, and passed the revised version, which is now awaiting concurrence of the Senate”

“Once assented to, this legislation will provide the statutory foundation for strengthening Nigeria’s port economic regulatory framework and further reposition the Council for its expanded mandate, ” he said.

On the salary review, Akutah said the proposal is currently undergoing final vetting by the Budget Office after which it will be considered by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for final approval before implementation.

“Management remains optimistic that the process will soon be concluded.

“In addition, several welfare improvements have been introduced, including, Upward review of the Children Education Grant to per term, introduction of Health and Social Club allowances; and introduction of Proficiency Allowances to encourage professional development.

“These initiatives reflect management’s commitment to strengthening staff welfare and institutional morale, ” he said.

Meanwhile, the NSC boss has charged staff to maintain high ethical standards, warning against gossip and misinformation.

He reminded staff that the Oath of Secrecy and Allegiance administered to them last year was a binding commitment to institutional integrity.

“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council is a regulatory institution of national importance. The reputation, credibility and authority of this institution depend greatly on the conduct, integrity and professionalism of its staff.

“Every member of this organisation must therefore uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline confidentiality and institutional responsibility.

“It is important to remind us all that last year, staff of the Council formally took an Oath of Secrecy and Allegiance, which remains binding on every staff member of this organisation.

“That oath was not merely ceremonial. It was a solemn commitment to uphold the principles of confidentiality, loyalty and integrity in the discharge of our duties as public servants.

“Let me therefore emphasise clearly that confidentiality in official matters is not optional; it is a core obligation of public service.

“Equally important is the need to avoid gossip, rumour-mongering and the spread of lies, falsehoods and misinformation within the organisation,” Akutah said warming that management would not hesitate to wield the big stick against any staff found guilty of unethical conduct.

Speaking on the 2026 retreat, themed “Advancing Strategic Execution: Driving Collaboration, Innovation and Excellence for a Future-Ready NSC,” Akutah charged all the staff to take full ownership of the council’s transformation agenda.

According to him, the transformation requires stronger collaboration across departments and units, greater innovation in the way technology and regulatory tools are deployed and an uncompromising commitment to excellence in service delivery.

“This theme highlights three strategic imperatives that must guide the next phase of the Council’s institutional development.

“Collaboration, because no regulatory institution can operate effectively in isolation within a complex maritime ecosystem.

“Innovation, because the dynamics of global trade and logistics require institutions that are adaptive, technology-driven and forward-looking.

“And Excellence, because the credibility and authority of a regulator ultimately depend on the professionalism, integrity and performance of its people.

“These three pillars must therefore shape how we think, how we lead and how we execute our responsibilities as an institution.

Akutah urged Directors and Unit Heads to move beyond simple administration and become drivers of institutional transformation,, ensuring the Council’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan is met with clinical execution.

“Each department/unit must align its priorities with the strategic objectives of the Council.

“Each leader must inspire their teams toward higher performance. And each unit must commit itself to delivering measurable results.

“Let us remember that institutions do not transform themselves, people transform institutions, and the responsibility for that transformation begins with us” Akutah stated.

In his welcome address, the Director of Planning, Research and Statistics of the NSC, Rotimi Anifowoshe noted that as the demand for efficiency, predictability, and transparency is rising, the Council cannot afford to fail stakeholders whose expectations are increasing and government priorities are becoming more performance-driven.

”In this environment, execution is not optional, it is essential. If we execute effectively, Stakeholder confidence deepens, Institutional credibility strengthens, regulatory authority becomes respected and our contribution to national economic objectives becomes visible and measurable, ” he said.