Abuja – The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday formally inaugurated the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), describing the move as a major step toward strengthening governance and accountability in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja, was disclosed in a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr Bolaji Akinola.
Speaking at the event, Oyetola said the constitution of the board, approved by President Bola Tinubu in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to good governance, institutional effectiveness and the strategic repositioning of the Marine and Blue Economy sector as a driver of national economic growth.
He noted that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as the designated Port Economic Regulator, plays a critical role in ensuring efficiency, fairness and transparency in port pricing, charges and service delivery.
According to the minister, effective regulation is essential to reducing the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports, facilitating trade, protecting shippers’ interests and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global commerce.
Oyetola charged members of the newly inaugurated board to provide strategic direction, policy guidance and effective oversight in line with statutory provisions and government policies. He urged them to work in harmony with the management of the council, uphold professionalism and ensure that their decisions translate into measurable outcomes in trade facilitation, cost reduction and sectoral competitiveness.
He further assured the board of the ministry’s full support and collaboration, calling on members to justify the confidence reposed in them by the President through integrity, discipline and tangible results.
The Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is chaired by a former governor of Katsina State, Dr Ibrahim Shema.
Responding on behalf of the board, Shema expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation and thanked the minister for his confidence and leadership in repositioning the sector.
He assured that the board would discharge its responsibilities with dedication, professionalism and integrity, pledging to provide effective oversight, strengthen regulatory efficiency and support initiatives aimed at improving port performance, enhancing trade facilitation and advancing the national economic agenda.
Shema also pledged close collaboration with the ministry and the management of the NSC to deliver sustainable benefits to Nigerian shippers and the wider economy.
Other members of the board include the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Dr Pius Akutah; representatives of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, alongside other appointed members.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council serves as the Port Economic Regulator, responsible for promoting efficiency, transparency, competitiveness and fairness in port operations while protecting the interests of shippers and improving Nigeria’s maritime trade environment.
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