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 confirmed in a statement issued by the Minister’s Special Adviser, Dr Bolaji Akinola. Oyetola said the constitution of the Board, approved by President Bola Tinubu in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to good governance, institutional effectiveness and the strategic repositioning of the marine and blue economy as a driver of national economic transformation.
He noted that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as the designated Port Economic Regulator, occupies a critical role in ensuring efficiency, fairness and transparency in port pricing, charges and service delivery.
According to the minister, effective regulation is vital 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.”
Oyetola charged members of the newly inaugurated Board to provide sound strategic direction, policy guidance and vigilant oversight in line with statutory provisions and government policies. He urged them to work harmoniously with the management of the NSC, uphold professionalism and ensure that all decisions translate into measurable outcomes in trade facilitation, cost reduction and sectoral competitiveness.
The former Governor of Osun State also assured the Board of the Ministry’s full support and collaboration, calling on members to justify the confidence reposed in them by President Tinubu through integrity, discipline and demonstrable results.
The Governing Board is chaired by Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema, former Governor of Katsina State. Speaking on behalf of the Board, Shema expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation in what he described as a strategic and critical sector.
He also thanked Oyetola for his confidence in the Board and commended his leadership in repositioning the marine and blue economy sector.
Shema assured that the Board would discharge its duties with dedication, professionalism and integrity, pledging to provide effective oversight, strengthen regulatory efficiency and support initiatives aimed at improving port performance, trade facilitation and the national economic agenda.
“The Board will work in close collaboration with the Ministry and the Management of the NSC to deliver tangible and sustainable results for Nigerian shippers and the wider economy,” he said.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council serves as the Port Economic Regulator, mandated to promote efficiency, transparency, competitiveness and fairness in port operations and service delivery, while protecting the interests of shippers and improving Nigeria’s maritime trade environment.
Other members of the Board include the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NSC, Dr Pius Akutah; representative of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Dr Emi Membere-Otaji; representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Mr John Aluya; Chiji Collins; Mrs Olufunmilayo Olaseinde; Dr Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti; Alhaji Mele Kofo Gladem; Mrs Hafsatu Mohammed; representative of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited, Maharazu Adamu Dayi; and representative of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Uzoamaka Okereke.
