The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has emphasized the importance of allowing the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to carry out its mandate without hindrance at the country’s seaports.
Speaking in Lagos during a courtesy visit by NESREA officials to the NSC headquarters in Apapa, the Executive Secretary of the Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, highlighted the need to reinforce collaboration between both agencies to ensure strict environmental compliance and sustainable port operations.
Dr. Akutah praised NESREA’s ongoing enforcement efforts and reiterated the Council’s commitment to supporting the agency’s regulatory activities. He urged the Acting Director of NESREA’s Lagos Liaison Office, Dr. Jonathan Dajel, and his team to intensify cooperation with the Council to better align with national goals.
He also noted that the initiative aligns with the vision of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Chief Adegboyega Oyetola, particularly on sustainable ocean resource management. Dr. Akutah encouraged NESREA to work towards ratifying and domesticating relevant international environmental agreements for mutual benefit.
In response, Dr. Dajel acknowledged the support of the Shippers’ Council and reaffirmed NESREA’s commitment to deepening its partnership. However, he pointed out challenges in accessing port terminals for environmental enforcement activities and called for improved operational coordination.
Dr. Dajel also shed light on Nigeria’s obligations under international environmental conventions and the agency’s role in issuing Ballast Water Management Certificates to mitigate maritime pollution.
Both parties expressed a shared commitment to strengthening institutional collaboration, recognizing its importance in enhancing port efficiency and promoting environmental sustainability across Nigeria’s maritime sector.