Middle Managers Critical to Nigerian Shippers Council’s Reform Agenda, Says Akutah

…Introduces Performance Management Framework for Retreat Implementation

The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Akutah Pius, has identified middle-level management officers as critical drivers of the Council’s ongoing reform agenda, stressing that the success of the agency’s transformation efforts depends largely on their leadership, innovation and commitment.

Dr. Akutah stated this while declaring open the Operational Retreat for Grade Level 12–14 officers of the Council held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

Addressing participants at the retreat, the NSC Chief Executive charged the officers to see themselves not merely as supervisors, but as strategic leaders responsible for translating policies into measurable results.

According to him, the retreat represents more than a routine training exercise, describing it as a deliberate investment in leadership development, succession planning and the long-term sustainability of the Council.

He noted that middle managers occupy a pivotal position within the organisation, serving as the bridge between policy formulation and implementation.

“Middle management officers are central to the achievement of the Council’s strategic objectives. They are the link between vision and execution, and their effectiveness will determine the pace and success of our institutional reforms,” he said.

Dr. Akutah observed that the Council operates in an increasingly dynamic environment characterised by rapid technological changes, evolving trade patterns, heightened stakeholder expectations and growing demands for transparency and accountability.

He, therefore, urged participants to demonstrate discipline, adaptability, innovation and professionalism in the discharge of their duties in order to sustain the Council’s mandate as Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator.

The NSC boss identified discipline, integrity, professionalism, collaboration and innovation as essential values that must guide officers entrusted with leadership responsibilities, noting that institutional excellence cannot thrive where accountability and standards are weak.

He further challenged participants to move beyond routine administrative functions by taking greater ownership of their responsibilities, proactively solving problems and embracing innovative ideas capable of enhancing service delivery and organisational effectiveness.

Dr. Akutah also encouraged officers to leverage technology to improve operational efficiency, while emphasizing the importance of teamwork, knowledge sharing and cross-functional collaboration across departments.

“No department can effectively deliver the Council’s mandate in isolation. Collaboration, mentorship and deliberate knowledge transfer are necessary to ensure institutional continuity and growth,” he stated.

In a major policy announcement, the Executive Secretary unveiled the Retreat Governance and Performance Management Policy, a framework designed to ensure that resolutions reached at retreats are effectively implemented and aligned with the Council’s 2025–2029 Strategic Plan, departmental deliverables, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and individual performance targets.

He disclosed that a Retreat Steering Committee, supported by the Strategic Planning and Research Department (SPRD) and the Human Resources Management Department, would oversee implementation, monitoring and compliance with the framework.

According to him, the policy is intended to ensure that retreat deliberations translate into measurable outcomes and sustainable institutional improvements.

Expressing confidence in the outcome of the programme, Dr. Akutah said the retreat would equip participants with practical skills, fresh insights and renewed motivation to contribute more effectively to the Council’s mandate.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director Strategic Planning and Research Department, Mr. Olurotimi Anifowose, urged participants to uphold professionalism, accountability, innovation and teamwork in the discharge of their duties.

He noted that lasting success in any organisation is measured not by positions held, but by the people inspired, values upheld and systems strengthened.

Mr. Anifowose encouraged officers to actively mentor younger colleagues and promote collaboration rather than rivalry, stressing that such efforts are essential for sustaining institutional growth.

He expressed optimism about the future of the Council and urged participants to engage fully in the retreat, share ideas freely and return to their duty stations better equipped to advance the organisation’s objectives.

Delivering a paper titled, “From Operational Overseers to Strategic Analysts,” maritime policy analyst and Lead Consultant for the retreat, Dr. Williams Azuh, described middle management officers as the “midfielders” of any organisation whose strategic importance cannot be overemphasised.

Dr. Azuh provided participants with an overview of the retreat objectives and highlighted the critical role middle managers play in driving organisational performance and achieving institutional goals.