NPCC inaugurates BoT to strengthen ports efficiency

NPCC inaugurates BoT to strengthen ports efficiency

The new NPCC Board of Trustees including; Chairman Nigeria Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), Mr Bolaji Sunmola, Vice Chairman NPCC Mrs Chiazor Anishere, SAN, CEO, Lelook Bags Academy, Chief (Mrs) Chinwe Ezenwa, Alh. Muhammed Bambado, Alh. Abayomi Adigun, former Executive Secretary of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr Hassan Bello; Mallam Bello Gwandu were inaugurated by Justice Folashade Bankole Oki (Rtd) at Federal Palace Hotel Lagos on Thursday

Chairman of the Ports Consultative Council (NPCC), Mr Bolaji Sunmola, says a Board of Trustees (BoT) has been inaugurated to enhance efficiency in Nigerian ports.

Sunmola made this known during the council’s quarterly meeting and the BoT inauguration, held on Thursday in Lagos.

He said the Board would strengthen collaboration between government and the private sector through experience, wisdom, and strategic oversight.

Sunmola described NPCC as a bridge among port users and operators, offering solutions to various industry challenges, not as a standalone council.

He emphasised the council’s mandate: advocacy, advisory, arbitration, and consulting as guiding principles of operation.

To boost port efficiency, NPCC is forging a strategic partnership with the London Ports Consultative Council.

Sunmola revealed that an NPCC delegation would visit London to exchange ideas on reforming Nigeria’s maritime sector.

He described the event’s theme, ‘Digital Information and Data Management for Sustainable Marine and Blue Economy,’ as timely and highly relevant.

“Nigerian seaports are the lifeblood of our economy. Delays, inefficiencies, and regulatory misalignment hurt productivity, revenue, and investor confidence.

“Joint solutions can transform Nigeria into a regional maritime powerhouse. Collaboration across sectors is key to progress.

“What can we build now that ensures global competitiveness for Nigerian ports in the next five years?” Sunmola asked.

He expressed confidence that with stakeholder support and the new BoT, NPCC would receive improved financial backing to drive its goals

Presenting the council’s first-quarter activities, NPCC Vice Chairman, Mrs Chiazor Anishere (SAN), said an MoU was signed with the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

She said NPCC was now registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), strengthening its legal and operational framework.

Anishere noted improvements, including a new website and a revitalised NPCC secretariat to boost engagement and transparency.

She also confirmed the partnership with the Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN) to boost efficiency and training.

NPCC also held strategic engagements with the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, NECA, and the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.

Anishere said the council had secured a stand at the 2025 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, for global networking.

The new BoT includes Mr Hassan Bello, Mrs Chinwe Ezenwa, Alh. Muhammed Bambado, Alh. Abayomi Adigun, Mallam Bello Gwandu, and Jean Anishere SAN.

They were inaugurated by retired Justice Folashade Bankole Oki, alongside Mr Bolaji Sunmola, NPCC Chairman.

In goodwill remarks, Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) DG, Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, represented by Mr Thompson Akpabio, urged the BoT to leave a lasting legacy in port reform.

He encouraged NPCC to drive industry discussions and sponsor port-related legislation with input from all stakeholders.

Smatt-Oyerinde reaffirmed NECA’s commitment to partnering with NPCC for a more efficient port environment.

During his presentation, Prof Bamidele Badejo from Lagos State University (LASU) highlighted major issues affecting marine data management.

He said weak digital systems hindered Nigeria’s marine and blue economy from reaching its full potential.

Badejo called for a tech-driven framework to better harness ocean resources and improve sector coordination.

He also flagged concerns over data ownership and privacy, urging a balance between access and national security interests.

During a panel session, Ports & Terminal Multiservices Ltd. (PTML) Customs Controller, Comptroller Tenny Daniyan, criticised Nigerians’ high demand for imported goods.

He advocated for a shift toward locally produced alternatives to improve the nation’s economic balance.

The event attracted key figures, including DG, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mrs Chinyere Almona, and Registrar, Council for the Regulation of Freight Forwarding in Nigeria (CRFFN), Mr Kingsley Igwe.

Others included vice president of Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr John Aluya, and Vice President of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Ify Akerele., Mrs Gloria Kanabe and Mrs Rollens Macfoy.