Stronger Economic Regulation Key to Port Development— Anifowose

The director of Strategic Planning and Research, Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC), Rotimi Anifowose, has said the future of Nigeria’s port industry depends on a stronger economic regulatory framework capable of balancing the interests of investors, port users and the government.

Speaking in an interview as he prepares to retire after 34 years of service at the Council, Anifowose described the proposed transition of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency as one of the most significant developments for the maritime sector, saying it would strengthen transparency, efficiency and competition across the nation’s ports.

According to him, the proposed agency would play a critical role in ensuring fair port pricing, protecting both shippers and investors, and creating a more accountable port system.

“One of the biggest opportunities before the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is its evolution into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency. We are awaiting presidential assent, and when that happens, it will strengthen our capacity to ensure transparent and fair port pricing, protect the interests of both shippers and investors, promote healthy competition and improve efficiency and accountability within the port system,” he said.

Anifowose stressed that effective economic regulation goes beyond protecting cargo owners, noting that investors also require a predictable and transparent business environment.

“We must understand that economic regulation is not only about protecting shippers. It is also about protecting investors and ensuring balance,” he added.

The retiring director also identified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a major opportunity for the country’s maritime industry, urging stakeholders to position Nigeria as a regional logistics and trade hub.

He said the country could unlock greater benefits through increased exports, improved cargo throughput, indigenous shipping development and expanded freight forwarding services.

According to him, the marine and blue economy also presents enormous opportunities in fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, marine biotechnology, offshore renewable energy, maritime transport, logistics and shipbuilding.

To maximise these opportunities, Anifowose urged the Council to deepen digital transformation, strengthen consumer protection, improve research and data management, enhance stakeholder engagement and build stronger regulatory impact assessment and dispute resolution mechanisms.

He also called on the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to accelerate implementation of the National Blue Economy Policy through improved inter-agency coordination, infrastructure development, indigenous participation in shipping and sustained investment promotion.

“My strategic vision for the future rests on five pillars: strong economic regulation, digital transformation, infrastructure development, evidence-based policymaking and public-private collaboration. If these pillars are embraced, the sector will be significantly stronger,” he said.

Reflecting on his 34-year career, Anifowose said he approached public service with a sense of ownership rather than simply working for a monthly salary.

“I never saw myself as merely a salary earner. I saw myself as a stakeholder. If you work and think only like a salary earner, you simply collect your salary and go. But I wanted to acquire a stake in the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and, ultimately, in the Nigerian economy,” he said.

He credited the executive secretary and chief executive officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr Pius Akutah, for creating an environment that encouraged innovation and strategic thinking.

Anifowose also expressed optimism that he would continue contributing to the sector after retirement through consultancy, communication and advocacy.

“Retirement does not mean abandoning my stake. After 34 years in the marine and blue economy sector, I am not walking away. I will continue to contribute, engage and advocate for the sector,” he said.