The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, on Monday formally inaugurated the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, charging members to uphold accountability and drive reforms aimed at repositioning Nigeria’s maritime sector for economic growth.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, was described by the Minister as a major step towards strengthening institutional governance within the Marine and Blue Economy sector.
Dr Oyetola said the constitution of the Board, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to good governance, institutional effectiveness and the strategic transformation of the maritime sector as a catalyst for national economic development.
He noted that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as the designated Port Economic Regulator, plays a pivotal role in promoting efficiency, fairness and transparency in port pricing, charges and service delivery. According to him, effective regulation remains critical to reducing the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports, facilitating trade, protecting shippers’ interests and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.
Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON (seventh from left); Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood (fifth from left); Chairman, Nigerian Shippers’ Council Governing Board, Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema (fourth from right); Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr Pius Akuta (third from right) and other Board Members of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council at the inauguration of the NSC Governing Board in Abuja, on Monday.
The Minister charged members of the newly inaugurated Board to provide strategic direction, sound policy guidance and diligent oversight in line with statutory provisions and government policies. He urged them to work harmoniously with the Management of the Council, uphold professionalism and ensure that Board decisions translate into measurable improvements in trade facilitation, cost reduction and sectoral competitiveness.
Dr Oyetola assured the Board of the Ministry’s full support, calling on members to justify the confidence reposed in them by the President through integrity, discipline and demonstrable results.
The Governing Board is chaired by Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema, former Governor of Katsina State. Other members include the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr Pius Akutah; Dr Emi Membere-Otaji, representing NACCIMA; Mr John Aluya, representing MAN; Rt Hon Chiji Collins; Mrs Olufunmilayo Olaseinde; Dr Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti; Alhaji Mele Kofo Gladem; Mrs Hafsatu Mohammed, representing NNPCL; Hon Maharazu Adamu Dayi; and Mrs Uzoamaka Okereke, representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Chairman Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and thanked the Honourable Minister for his confidence and leadership in repositioning the sector.
Shema assured that the Board would discharge its responsibilities with professionalism and integrity, pledging effective oversight, improved regulatory efficiency and support for initiatives aimed at enhancing port performance, trade facilitation and the broader national economic agenda.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council serves as Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator, mandated to promote efficiency, transparency, competitiveness and fairness in port operations while safeguarding the interests of shippers and strengthening the country’s maritime trade environment.
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