NSC, Ports Authority Police Strengthen Collaboration to Enhance Port Security, Cargo Efficiency

NSC, Ports Authority Police Strengthen Collaboration to Enhance Port Security, Cargo Efficiency

The Nigeria Shippers' Council (NSC) and the Port Authority Police (Western) Command have reaffirmed their commitment to deeper inter-agency collaboration aimed at strengthening port security and improving operational efficiency across Nigeria’s maritime sector.

This renewed partnership was underscored during a maiden courtesy visit by the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, to the NSC headquarters in Lagos.

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. She noted that the engagement was both symbolic and strategic, designed to foster stronger institutional collaboration and deepen operational synergy between the two agencies.

The Police Commissioner emphasized that the Council’s mandate as Port Economic Regulator aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Police Command in ensuring a safe and conducive environment for trade facilitation, cargo movement, and the protection of critical national infrastructure.

She reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to proactive policing, intelligence-driven operations, and stakeholder engagement, stressing that sustainable port security can only be achieved through continuous information sharing and cooperation among maritime stakeholders.

According to her, the Command remains ready to support the Council in carrying out its statutory responsibilities, particularly in dispute resolution, enforcement of lawful activities, protection of port users, and monitoring of cargo movement within the port corridor.

CP Agbaminoja assured that under her leadership, professionalism, responsiveness, and collaboration would remain top priorities to promote investment confidence and operational stability within Nigeria’s maritime industry.

In his response, the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, stated that both institutions operate within the same port ecosystem, making collaboration not only necessary but inevitable.

He called for improved intelligence sharing, structured training frameworks, and enhanced stakeholder engagement between the Council and the Police Command.

Dr. Pius also raised concerns over the arrest of containers that had already been cleared at the ports, urging better coordination to prevent avoidable disruptions and delays that negatively impact cargo dwell time.

He further advocated for a review of police alert procedures and joint efforts to address insecurity challenges within the port environment.

The NSC boss expressed optimism that the strengthened partnership would reinforce the Council’s mandate to promote efficiency, transparency, and seamless cargo movement across Nigeria’s ports.