Akutah Think Tank

Admin

Profile

Join date: Nov 7, 2025

About

Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah (born June 7, 1970) is a Nigerian lawyer, public servant, and political leader. He currently serves as the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (ES/CEO) of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), a role he assumed on October 25, 2023.

Raised in Ushongo Local Government Area in Benue State, Dr. Akutah earned his Diploma in Law from the University of Jos, then an LLB from the University of Abuja, and later completed an LL.M in Public International Law at Ahmadu Bello University. He was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2007. In December 2024, he earned a Ph.D. in International Cooperation in Criminal Matters from Nasarawa State University.

Before leading the NSC, Dr. Akutah held key roles in the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, notably heading the Central Authority Unit, where he oversaw Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA) and extradition matters. He has negotiated bilateral legal cooperation treaties, worked on extradition of fugitives, and built Nigeria’s capacity in international criminal law. He has also taught international cooperation in criminal matters under the auspices of the UNODC and the Commonwealth Secretariat.

In his current role at NSC, Dr. Akutah has pushed for reforms to speed up cargo clearance (targeting a reduction from 48 to 24 hours), introduced digital payment systems, and improved port efficiency.

He is recognized for his community service, having initiated peace-building projects and youth empowerment programs in his home state.

Among his honors, he received the Presidential Civil Service Merit Award in 2017 and was conferred with the national honor Member of the Order of the Niger (MON) in 2022.

Politically, Dr. Akutah is affiliated with the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Posts (35)

Apr 10, 2026 ∙ 7 min

At the 2026 Blue Economy Investment Summit, We Gathered to Speak About the Future We Must Build

It was my honour to deliver a lecture at the 2026 Blue Economy Investment Summit , a significant platform where leaders, investors, policymakers, stakeholders, and development thinkers came together to outline a bold path for maritime economic expansion. It was more than an event. It was a moment of national reflection and strategic engagement. It was an opportunity to speak not only about the promise of the blue economy, but about the responsibility of leadership in converting promise into...

Apr 5, 2026 ∙ 4 min

Food Security and Benue’s Role in Feeding the Nation

Beyond the Title “Food Basket” Benue is often called Nigeria’s Food Basket. It is a proud title. But titles alone do not guarantee prosperity. When I reflect on Food Security and Benue’s Role in Feeding the Nation , I see more than statistics or agricultural output. I see farmers rising before dawn. I see women preserving harvests in rural communities. I see young people wondering whether agriculture can truly become a modern, profitable career. Food security is not just about producing...

Apr 3, 2026 ∙ 4 min

How Cooperatives Can Empower Rural Farmers

Strength in Shared Purpose In many rural communities across Benue, farming is not just an occupation. It is heritage. It is survival. It is identity. Yet, too often, individual farmers operate alone negotiating prices individually, purchasing inputs at higher costs, and facing market volatility without protection. This is why the conversation about how cooperatives can empower rural farmers is urgent. As a former Federal Prosecutor, an expert in international cooperation in criminal matters,...