By Ahmed Ahmed
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has underscored the importance of effective port economic regulation in driving efficiency, transparency, and sustainable trade growth, as stakeholders gathered for an enlightenment seminar in Bauchi on Tuesday.
Speaking at the event, the Director, North-East Directorate of the NSC, Mr. Nanbol Nanle, described the seminar themed “Effective Port Economic Regulation:
The Key to Unlocking Efficient and Sustainable Port Regime” as timely,
He noted that well-regulated port systems enhance ease of doing business, strengthen trade facilitation, and support national economic development.
Nanle explained that the council, established in 1978 to protect the interests of importers and exporters, was later appointed Port Economic Regulator in 2014 following the port concession programme, to ensure efficiency and cost-effectiveness across Nigerian ports.
He added that the seminar would also provide insights from the Nigerian Customs Service on fast-track cargo clearance, alongside expert guidance on non-oil export opportunities from Bauchi and neighbouring states.
According to him, the engagement aims to enlighten shippers and stakeholders on regulatory policies, operational procedures, and export potential within the region, particularly as efforts continue toward actualising a proposed dry port in Bauchi.
“We want people to understand our role in ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness in the port system, while also exposing them to practical export opportunities in agriculture and solid minerals,” Nanle said.
He urged participants to take advantage of free enlightenment programmes and seek guidance from relevant export-promotion agencies to improve their participation in international trade.
Also speaking, Alhaji Inuwa Galloje, Chairman of the National Association of Gum Arabic Producers, Processors and Exporters of Nigeria (NAGAPPEN), Bauchi State chapter, described the workshop as highly beneficial for farmers and emerging exporters.
Galloje noted that many producers previously lacked knowledge of the certifications, registrations, and quality standards required for export, forcing them to rely on middlemen and limiting their earnings.
“With proper information and technology-driven processes, more young people can transition from local trading to direct export, especially since Bauchi possesses numerous exportable agricultural commodities,” he said.
He advised exporters to maintain product quality, honour contractual agreements, and avoid unethical practices capable of damaging the reputation of Bauchi State and Nigeria in the global market.
The seminar provided a platform for dialogue among regulators, exporters, and industry stakeholders, reinforcing calls for stronger legal frameworks, institutional capacity, and digitalisation to enhance Nigeria’s port efficiency and unlock greater non-oil export potential.
