News
Shippers’ Council Recovers N31.1bn
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has saved the Federal Government N31.1 billion through the Electronic Regulatory Port Portal (ERPP) between January and June 2024.
The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer of NSC, Mr Pius Akutah, made this known during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali M. Ali to the Council’s Headquarters in Lagos on Friday.
According to Akutah, the council has saved the economy a lot of money that would otherwise have been repatriated.
ERPP is an activity the NSC carries out for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to confirm the reasonableness of Charter Party fees
The executive secretary said that the council conducted a quality assurance test between January and June 2024 to confirm the demurrage applications, which he said had yielded significant results.
Akutah said the test revealed that out of total requests of N50.8 billion, N19.6 billion requests were validated as reasonable for payment.
“Consequently, the council achieved a substantial saving of N31.1 billion over the six-month period.
“Notably, this represents a remarkable 400 per cent improvement in savings compared to the preceding year from January to December 2023 where the total savings amounted to N6.7 billion.
“This substantial enhancement is attributed to the innovative automation solutions developed by the Council to streamline the confirmation process,” Akutah said.
He said that the ERPP had demonstrated a significant impact on operational efficiency and cost optimisation.
The NSC boss said that ERPP applications were expected to save approximately 80 per cent of outflows from the Nigerian economy as well as block leakages, over-invoicing and minimise capital flight.
He said that by leveraging technology, the NSC aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency and accountability in the port sector, ultimately contributing to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy.
Akutah said that NSC developed the innovative digital platform, the Electronic Regulatory Process Portal, to enhance its regulatory functions and promote port efficiency.
He said that the platform served as a channel of accessibility to all council’s regulatory functions in the pursuit of port efficiency.
“The ERPP provides platform for submission, centralisation and e-monitoring of operational KPI of all regulated service providers in Nigeria for the purpose of planning and research.
“Other provisions by the platform are the annual tariff filing by the stakeholders in the port sector; Voyage Management System; Airfreight Cargo Throughput Data Submission by ground handlers.
“Submission of requests for review of tariffs, rates and charges by the Regulated Service Providers. ERPP platform also provides gateway authentication to other council’s applications like CRD portal for confirmation of reasonableness of demurrage, freight rates and charter party payments,” Akutah said.
“NSC undertakes the implementation of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) assignment in line with the revised Foreign Exchange (FOREX) manual of 2018, Memorandum 13, Article 3.3 which stipulates “confirmation of reasonableness” by NSC as a pre-condition for granting approval for requests for foreign exchange for the payment of freight rates, charter party fees and demurrage remittance,” the executive secretary said.
He said the council had developed a web-based multi-functional application to eliminate the work of calculating and confirming the summary sheet of demurrage charges, freight rate and charter party fees submitted by shipping companies, shippers and vessel charterers via their banks.
Akutah said that all requests were submitted, processed and approved on-line.
He commended NAN for providing news contents within and outside the country
Akutah pledged to collaborate with NAN for more awareness and stressed the need for stakeholders to patronise the Inland Dry Ports to reduce costs of doing business in Nigeria.
“We completely align with you when you say that no one knows Nigeria like NAN
“We know the quality of news and programmes that NAN has.
“We believe that a partnership with NAN will further promote our activities,’’ he said.
Speaking earlier, Ali said that NAN was delighted with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Friday between the Council and the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria (MWUN).
Ali said that the operations of the Inland Dry Ports (IDPs) in Kano and Kaduna were testimonies of what Akutah had achieved in less than one year of his coming into office.
“We in NAN want to partner with NSC because No One Knows Nigeria Like NAN.
“We have offices all over the 36 states, the districts, foreign countries and there are plans to open some foreign offices soon.
“In terms of visibility, we will ensure that Shippers’ Council is unbeatable. You talk to NAN, You talk to all,” the NAN managing director said.
He said that the agency’s Unique Selling Point was to report fairly, objectively and respect the objectivity of the profession.
Ali thanked the NSC management for profusely accepting to receive the NAN management.
The NAN boss stressed the need for the NSC to patronise the NAN Bulk SMS, Photo archives and PR wire service.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Christian Leaders Forum has expressed strong confidence in the capacity of All Progressives Congress (All Progressives Congress) candidates in the state to deliver effective governance if elected into office in the coming elections.
The State Coordinator of the forum, Archbishop Lucky Aroh, made this known during a breakfast and thanksgiving meeting held in Port Harcourt, where leaders gathered to pray for the stability of the party and the safety of its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections.According to him, the meeting was convened to seek divine intervention for peace, unity, and security among APC candidates across Rivers State.
“Today we are praying for APC stability in Rivers State and the security of our candidates that have been elected to contest the 2027 elections. It is a breakfast meeting,” Aroh said.
He further expressed optimism that the party’s candidates would not disappoint the people if entrusted with leadership responsibilities.
“They will not fail when elected into office. We are here as fathers of the land to let them know, and I must tell you the truth that these are the authentic people that will do well in Rivers State,” he added.
Speaking earlier, the National Chairman of the forum, Professor Olanrewaju Abraham, commended the Rivers State chapter for organizing the programme, noting that the national body of the forum believes strongly in the power of prayer.
He stated that political leadership provides an opportunity to influence society positively, including advancing moral and spiritual values, while expressing confidence that APC candidates at all levels would emerge victorious in the upcoming elections.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Women Leader of the APC, Hon. Darling Amadi, praised the forum for its commitment to prayers for peace, stability, and the protection of party candidates.
Represented by the Deputy Women Leader of the party in the state, she described the initiative as commendable and urged other political and support groups within the party to emulate the gesture in promoting unity and stability.
By: John Bibor, Menebe Emmanuel & Fortune Paibi
Prominent businessman and philanthropist, Elder Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, was celebrated in grand style as he marked his 70th birthday anniversary, with distinguished Nigerians, business leaders, and golf enthusiasts gathering to honour his remarkable contributions to society.
The colourful celebration took place at the Port Harcourt Golf Club, where friends, associates, and well-wishers converged to pay tribute to the revered elder statesman.
Chairman of the occasion, High Chief (Dr.) Ikenna Okafor, described the celebrant as a detribalised Nigerian whose generosity, humility, and commitment to humanity have earned him admiration across different communities and backgrounds.
According to Dr. Okafor, Pa Osagwe-Ogo’s impact on society and the development of his community remains unparalleled. He noted that members of the golfing community are proud to be associated with a father figure who consistently promotes the welfare and well-being of those around him.
He further stated that the history and growth of the Port Harcourt Golf Club cannot be told without acknowledging the significant role played by the celebrant, whose wisdom, encouragement, and leadership have helped sustain the club over the years.
“We are here to celebrate a man who has impacted humanity positively, a peace-loving individual and an epitome of hope for the younger generation. We pray to emulate his virtues. Today, we celebrate a bridge-builder, a trailblazer, and an iconic leader whose life continues to inspire many,” Dr. Okafor said.
He expressed delight at the large turnout of guests from various walks of life, describing it as a testament to the respect and affection Pa Osagwe-Ogo commands within and beyond Rivers State.
In his response, the celebrant, Pa Anthony Osagwe-Ogo, expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving his life and granting him the privilege of attaining the milestone age of 70.
He also thanked members of the Port Harcourt Golf Club, family members, friends, and associates for identifying with him during the celebration and for their unwavering support over the years.
The event featured the cutting of the birthday cake, presentation of awards to deserving members of the club, goodwill messages, and moments of celebration among guests.
The ceremony was attended by notable personalities from the business community, the golfing fraternity, and other sectors, all of whom joined in celebrating the life and legacy of the respected elder statesman.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, and the Permanent Secretary of the Rivers State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr. Honour Kuru Sirawoo, have been honoured with awards of recognition in connection with the 2026 Democracy Day celebrations held in Port Harcourt.
The awards, which formed part of activities marking Nigeria’s Democracy Day on June 12, were formally presented on Tuesday at the Ministry of Information and Communications in Port Harcourt.
Presenting the awards was Hon. Abdul Hameed Oladipupo Alli, popularly known as “Mr. Nigeria,” Publisher of Asiwaju Trumpet Magazine and Achievers World International Magazine.
Governor Fubara was recognised for his efforts in sustaining peace, stability, and a conducive political atmospherJohn Bibor / Menebe Emmanuel / Fortune Paibie in Rivers State. The organisers noted that his administration has fostered harmony and strengthened civic participation across the state.
Dr. Sirawoo, on the other hand, was honoured for his exemplary administrative leadership and significant contributions to effective information management within the Ministry of Information and Communications.
Representing Dr. Sirawoo at the presentation ceremony, Dr. Christian Davies received the award on his behalf and expressed gratitude for the recognition. He described the honour as a reflection of Dr. Sirawoo’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, excellence, and dedicated public service.
Dr. Davies assured the organisers that the award would be formally conveyed to the Permanent Secretary.
The event also featured the presentation of commemorative publications highlighting major governance and civic milestones in Rivers State, including Easter celebrations, Workers’ Day activities, the Governor’s third anniversary in office, and Democracy Day programmes.
Organisers of the awards commended the Rivers State administration for what they described as sustained peace, political stability, and improved civic engagement, noting that these achievements have contributed significantly to the state’s continued development.
By: Jessica Sambol