Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, inaugurated the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, formally ushering in a new phase for the Council’s leadership.
The inauguration signals an important step toward strengthening governance and accountability within Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector.
Marine and Blue EconomyAt the event, Dr Oyetola said the approval of the Board by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to effective institutions, sound governance, and the repositioning of the maritime sector in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He explained that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as the country’s Port Economic Regulator, plays a central role in ensuring fairness, transparency, and efficiency in port pricing, charges, and service delivery.
According to the Minister, strong regulation is critical to lowering the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports, supporting trade, protecting shippers’ interests, and improving Nigeria’s standing in regional and global trade.
Dr Oyetola urged Board members to provide clear strategic direction, offer sound policy guidance, and carry out their oversight duties in line with the law and government policy. He assured them of the Ministry’s support and encouraged them to serve with integrity, discipline, and a focus on results.
The Board is chaired by former Katsina State Governor, Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema. Other members include the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr Akutah Pius; 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 for the Board, Dr Shema thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and expressed appreciation to the Minister for the confidence placed in the Board and his leadership of the sector.
He assured that the Board would carry out its duties with professionalism and integrity, focusing on effective oversight, improved regulation, better port performance, and stronger trade facilitation in support of the national economy.
Dr Shema added that the Board would work closely with the Ministry and the Council’s management to deliver practical and lasting outcomes for shippers and the wider economy.
In his remarks to journalists, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Akutah Pius, said the Council looks forward to stronger engagement with the newly inaugurated Board.
He noted that the Council remains focused on accelerating marine sector policies, developing the blue economy, and improving port efficiency, stressing that its role as Port Economic Regulator is key to balancing stakeholder interests and supporting government revenue generation.
source:maritimafrica.com
