NPCC Unveils Strategic Partnership with British Ports Association

In a bold step toward transforming Nigeria’s maritime industry, the Nigerian Ports Consultative Council (NPCC) has announced plans for a strategic partnership with the British Ports Association (BPA). The announcement was made during NPCC’s quarterly meeting and inauguration of its pioneer Board of Trustees (BoT) held on Thursday in Lagos.

NPCC Chairman, Mr. Bolaji Sunmola, disclosed that a delegation of the Council would travel to London to engage with British counterparts and exchange innovative ideas and best practices to support ongoing port reforms in Nigeria.

“Every inefficiency at the port gate ripples across our national productivity. Every delay in customs processing translates to lost revenue. Every misalignment in our regulatory framework weakens investor confidence. But every solution we build—together—brings us one step closer to transforming Nigeria into a regional maritime powerhouse,” Sunmola said.

He emphasized the NPCC’s role as a crucial link between government agencies and private sector stakeholders, and described the inauguration of the Board of Trustees as a milestone that would enhance strategic oversight and governance within the Council.

“With the guidance of our newly inaugurated BoT and the continued support of stakeholders, we are confident that the financing and implementation of critical port reforms will accelerate,” he added.

Strengthening Institutional Presence

Delivering the Council’s first quarterly review for 2025, NPCC Vice Chairman, Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN), highlighted notable achievements including the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to support its internal restructuring efforts.

She also noted that the NPCC has expanded its engagement with key national and international institutions, including:

• Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN)
• Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce
• Nigerian Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA)
• Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment

In a push to expand its global influence, Anishere announced that NPCC has secured a stand at the 2025 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, and that the Council’s new corporate registration with the CAC, active official website, and revamped secretariat would support better operations and stakeholder engagement.

Formal Inauguration of the Board of Trustees

The newly constituted NPCC Board of Trustees was formally inaugurated by Hon. Justice Folashade Bankole-Oki (Rtd). The members include:

• Barr. Hassan Bello (Former Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council)
• Chief (Mrs.) Chinwe Ezenwa
• Alhaji Muhammed Bambado
• Alhaji Abayomi Adigun
• Mallam Bello Gwandu
• Mr. Bolaji Sunmola
• Mrs. Jean Chiazor Anishere (SAN)

Stakeholder Insights and Call for Legislative Reforms

Mr. Thompson Akpabio, who represented NECA Director General, Mr. Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, urged the NPCC to spearhead policy discourse and legislative advocacy, stressing the need to incorporate the views of workers, operators, and global best practices.

“No war has ever been won without a return to the roundtable. NPCC must lead in sponsoring bills that transform the sector for good,” Akpabio stated.

In his keynote address, Professor Bamidele Badejo of Lagos State University emphasized that digital infrastructure and effective data management are essential to unlocking the potential of Nigeria’s blue economy, calling for a secure, technology-driven framework to support growth.

Also speaking during the panel session, Comptroller Tenny Daniyan, Customs Area Controller of PTML Command, called attention to Nigeria’s dependence on imports and advocated for boosting local production to strengthen economic resilience.

Broad Industry Participation

The event convened a wide array of industry leaders and stakeholders, including:

• Mrs. Chinyere Almona, Director General, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)
• Mr. Kingsley Igwe, Registrar, CRFFN
• Mr. John Aluya, Vice President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN)
• Capt. Sunday Umoren, Secretary General, Abuja MoU
• Mrs. Ify Akerele, Vice President, Nigerian Chamber of Shipping (NCS)