Oyetola Inaugurates Shippers’ Council Board, Urges Accountability, Sectoral Reform

The minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday, formally inaugurated the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).

The inauguration ceremony was held at the minister’s Conference Room at the Ministry in Abuja.

In his address at the event, Dr Oyetola described the inauguration as a significant milestone in strengthening institutional governance and accountability within Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector.

He stated that the constitution of the Board, approved by President Bola Tinubu, in furtherance of the Renewed Hope Agenda, underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to good governance, institutional effectiveness, and the strategic repositioning of the maritime sector as a catalyst for national economic transformation.

The minister emphasised that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as the designated Port Economic Regulator, occupies a critical position in promoting efficiency, fairness, and transparency in port pricing, charges, and service delivery.

He noted that effective regulation remains essential to reducing the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports, facilitating trade, protecting the interests of shippers, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global commerce.

Dr Oyetola charged members of the newly inaugurated Board to provide strategic direction, policy guidance, and vigilant oversight in line with statutory provisions and government policies. He urged the Board to work harmoniously with the Management of the Council, uphold professionalism, and ensure that every meeting and decision delivers 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 and through integrity, discipline, and demonstrable results.

The Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is chaired by Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema, former governor of Katsina State. Other members include Dr Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council; Dr Emi Membere-Otaji, representative of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); John Aluya, representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Rt Hon Chiji Collins; Olufunmilayo Olaseinde; Dr Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti; Alhaji Mele Kofo Gladem; Hafsatu Mohammed, representative of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL); Hon Maharazu Adamu Dayi; and Mrs Uzoamaka Okereke, representative of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Responding on behalf of the Board, the Chairman, Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation in such a strategic capacity. He also thanked the minister of Marine and Blue Economy for the confidence reposed in the Board and for his visionary leadership in repositioning the sector.

Shema assured that the Board would discharge its responsibilities with dedication, professionalism, and integrity, and pledged its commitment to providing effective oversight, strengthening regulatory efficiency, and supporting initiatives that will enhance port performance, improve trade facilitation, and advance the national economic agenda.

He further assured that the Board would work in close collaboration with the Ministry and the Management of the Council to deliver tangible and sustainable results for Nigerian shippers and the wider economy.

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council is the designated Port Economic Regulator responsible for promoting efficiency, transparency, competitiveness, and fairness in port operations and service delivery, while protecting the interests of shippers and improving Nigeria’s maritime trade environment.