NSC, Western Port Authority Police deepen institutional collaboration for operational understanding.
...as Akutah raises concerns over arresting of cleared containers; urges improved coordination
Segun Oladipupo
In a frantic effort to strengthen security and improve operational standards in the nation’s port system, the Commissioner of Police, Ports Authority Police (Western) Command, CP Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, on Thursday, paid a maiden courtesy visit to the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) headquarters in Lagos,
The visit among other things, is to reinforce inter-agency collaboration within the maritime sector.
CP Agbaminoja, during the visit, 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 Pius, 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.
The Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr. Akutah Pius, in his response, 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 stakeholder engagement between the Council and the Police Command.
The NSC boss particularly raised concerns regarding the arrest of already cleared containers at the ports, urging improved coordination to prevent operational disruptions and unnecessary delays that affect cargo dwell time.
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.
