Anifowose Calls for Stronger Economic Regulation To Boost Nigeria’s Port Development
The Director of Strategic Planning and Research at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Rotimi Anifowose, has identified a stronger economic regulatory framework as critical to the sustainable development and competitiveness of Nigeria’s port industry.
Speaking ahead of his retirement after 34 years of service at the Council, Anifowose said the proposed transition of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council into the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency would mark a significant milestone for the nation’s maritime sector.
He explained that the proposed agency, once it receives presidential assent, would strengthen transparency, ensure fair port pricing, protect the interests of both investors and port users, and promote greater efficiency, accountability and healthy competition within Nigeria’s ports.
According to him, effective economic regulation should not focus solely on protecting cargo owners but should also provide investors with a transparent and predictable business environment that encourages long-term investment.
Anifowose also identified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a major opportunity for Nigeria’s maritime industry, urging stakeholders to position the country as a leading regional logistics and trade hub.
He said Nigeria could maximise the benefits of AfCFTA by expanding exports, increasing cargo throughput, promoting indigenous shipping, and strengthening freight forwarding services.
The retiring director further highlighted the immense potential of the marine and blue economy, noting opportunities in fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, marine biotechnology, offshore renewable energy, maritime transport, logistics and shipbuilding.
To unlock these opportunities, he called on the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to deepen digital transformation, strengthen consumer protection, improve research and data management, enhance stakeholder engagement, and reinforce regulatory impact assessment and dispute resolution mechanisms.
He also urged the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to accelerate the implementation of the National Blue Economy Policy through improved inter-agency collaboration, infrastructure development, greater indigenous participation in shipping, and sustained investment promotion.
Outlining his vision for the sector, Anifowose said Nigeria’s maritime industry should be driven by five key pillars: strong economic regulation, digital transformation, infrastructure development, evidence-based policymaking, and public-private collaboration.
Reflecting on his career, he said he viewed public service as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to national development rather than merely earning a salary.
He also commended the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, for fostering an environment that encouraged innovation and strategic thinking within the organisation.
Anifowose expressed confidence that he would continue contributing to the growth of Nigeria’s maritime sector after retirement through consultancy, advocacy and strategic communication.
