Pius Ukeyima Akutah

Dr. Pius Ukeyima Akutah (born June 7, 1970) is a Nigerian legal practitioner and public servant. He serves as the Executive Secretary/Chief Executive Officer (ES/CEO) of the Nigerian Shippers' Council, an appointment he assumed on October 25, 2023, succeeding Emmanuel Jime. He officially commenced his duties at the council's headquarters in Lagos on November 1, 2023. The council has taken steps to activate the cargo tracking note, promote port efficiency with the stated goal of reducing cargo clearance time from 48 hours to 24 hours, and introduce an electronic traffic system.

The Nigerian Shippers Council has highlighted the implementation of payment processes transitioning from manual to automated systems within the council. It has also emphasized the benefits of registration to enhance a database of port service providers and users, as well as a "know your customers" policy.

Early life and education Akutah was born in Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria. He obtained a Diploma in Law from the University of Jos. He earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Abuja in 2006. He later attended the Nigerian Law School in Bwari, Abuja, and was called to the Nigerian Bar as a Barrister at Law (BL) in May 2007. Subsequently, he obtained a Master of Laws (LL.M) degree in Public International Law from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 2016. Akutah held positions within the Nigerian legal system, with service in international cooperation in criminal matters spanning over two decades. In 2022, he concluded an extradition case at the Supreme Court of Nigeria. In August 2023, he oversaw the extradition of two suspects involved in cybercrime, specifically "sextortion," to face trial in the US.

Akutah contributed to the negotiation of Bilateral Agreements between Nigeria and other nations concerning Mutual Legal Assistance and Extradition in November 2023. He reviewed and endorsed the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), encouraging its adoption by Nigerian states. He also authored legal opinions on the use of United Nations Treaties.

In 2019, Akutah donated a furnished house to a centenarian in Mbagwaza, Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State who had been living in a dilapidated thatched hut.

He has initiated and supported development projects in his native Benue State, and his work includes youth mentorship and grassroots empowerment.

President Faure Gnassingbe of Togo presented him with the Presidential Merit Award of excellent service for contributions in the drafting and presentation of the African Charter for Maritime Safety and Security. In 2024, he was named “Regulator of the Year” by a leading industry publication.

Politics Akutah is a politician and a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In 2019, he contested for the House of Representative election in the Kwande-Ushongo Federal Constituency. He also contested for the 2023 Gubernatorial election within the same party but stepped down for Rev. Hyacinth Alia, who is the incumbent Governor.