NSC, Ports Authority Police Deepen Collaboration to Improve Maritime Operations


Victoria Silvanus

In a renewed effort to strengthen security coordination and operational efficiency across Nigeria’s maritime sector, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) and the Ports Authority Police have reaffirmed their commitment to deeper collaboration.

This followed a maiden courtesy visit by the Commissioner of Police, Western Ports Authority Command, CP Oluwatoyin Iyabode Agbaminoja, to the NSC headquarters in Lagos — a move described as both symbolic and strategic in reinforcing inter-agency cooperation within the port system.

Strengthening Maritime Security Collaboration
During the visit, CP Agbaminoja described the Council as a pivotal institution in regulating, facilitating, and protecting Nigeria’s shipping and port economic interests. She emphasized that the NSC’s role as Port Economic Regulator closely aligns with the Police Command’s responsibility to maintain a secure and conducive environment for trade, cargo movement, and the protection of critical national infrastructure.
According to her, sustainable port security depends on proactive policing, intelligence-led operations, and continuous stakeholder engagement.
She reaffirmed the Command’s readiness to support the Council in carrying out its statutory responsibilities, particularly in:
Dispute resolution
Enforcement of lawful port activities
Protection of port users
Monitoring cargo movement within port corridors

CP Agbaminoja also assured stakeholders that professionalism, responsiveness, and collaboration would remain top priorities under her leadership to foster investor confidence and operational stability within the maritime industry.
Call for Better Coordination and Intelligence Sharing.
In his response, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the NSC, Dr. Akutah Pius, stressed that both institutions operate within the same port ecosystem, making collaboration not just important but inevitable.
He called for: Stronger intelligence sharing mechanisms, Structured joint training programmed and Enhanced stakeholder engagement

Dr. Pius raised concerns over the arrest of already cleared containers at ports, noting that such actions can cause operational disruptions and increase cargo dwell time. He urged improved coordination and a review of police alert procedures to prevent unnecessary delays.
He further emphasized the need for both agencies to jointly address insecurity within the port environment to ensure seamless cargo movement and improved efficiency across Nigeria’s ports.

A Renewed Commitment to Port Efficiency
The renewed partnership between the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and the Ports Authority Police signals a stronger, more coordinated approach to port security and economic regulation.
Stakeholders expect that enhanced collaboration, intelligence sharing, and operational alignment between both agencies will promote transparency, reduce bottlenecks, and improve overall efficiency within Nigeria’s maritime sector.

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