The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Barrister Pius Ukeyima Akutah has denied allegations in some quarters that his active involvement in politics and political interest in the politics of his home state, Benue ahead of the 2027 elections have made him to loss focus of his roles and responsibilities.
He was also accused of not always available at Shippers Plaza, the corporate headquarters of NSC, Apapa, Lagos due to his keen involvement in political activities in Benue State and elsewhere.
However, Akutah in a statement in Lagos dismissed suggestions that his alleged political ambition is affecting his performance or distracting him from his regulatory duties, insisting that he remains fully committed to his mandate as head of the agency.
He stated that claims within industry circles that his attention was being divided between his official responsibilities and emerging political interests were not true.
Not a few stakeholders in the maritime sector of the economy have linked the recent tensions over tariff adjustments and regulatory decisions in the maritime sector to Akutah’s unavailability to address issues squarely.
However, Akutah denied the allegations, describing them as unfounded and a misrepresentation of his priorities.
He stressed that his focus remains firmly on the discharge of his statutory responsibilities as the helmsman of NSC.
According to him, while public officials are often subject to speculation regarding political intentions, such narratives should not be allowed to overshadow institutional work or be used to undermine regulatory actions taken in good faith and in line with the law.
He explained that all decisions taken under his leadership have been guided strictly by legal provisions, stakeholder consultations and the broader objective of maintaining balance within the maritime economy, rather than any personal or political considerations.
He maintained that NSC priority remains the protection of national trade interests, fair regulation of the port economy, and ensuring stability across the shipping and logistics value chain.
Akutah further noted that distractions arising from political rumours or external commentary do not alter NSC regulatory direction, adding that his administration continues to engage stakeholders and implement reforms aimed at strengthening efficiency and transparency in the sector.
He emphasized that leadership of a critical economic regulatory agency requires focus, continuity, and adherence to due process, reiterating that his attention remains on institutional reforms rather than political pursuits.
He enjoined stakeholders and the public to evaluate his performance based on policy outcomes and sector stability rather than speculation about personal ambitions.
While stressing that NSC will continue to operate within its mandate regardless of external narratives, he reaffirmed his commitment to the Nigerian maritime sector, noting that his priority remains ensuring that regulatory interventions support economic growth, protect stakeholders’ interests, and enhance Nigeria’s position in regional and global trade.
