*Tasks Members on Accountability and Sectoral Reforms
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola formally inaugurated the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
In his address at the inauguration ceremony was which took place at the Minister’s Conference Room, Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy Corporate Headquarters, Bukar Dipcharima House, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja recently, Oyetola described the event as a significant milestone in strengthening institutional governance and accountability within Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector.
The Minister in a statement signed by his Special Adviser, Dr. Bolaji Akinola stated that the constitution of the board approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in furtherance of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He averred that the move 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.
According to the statement which was made available to Maritime Bits, Oyetola stressed that NSC as the designated Port Economic Regulator (PER), 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.
Akinola quoted Oyetola charging members of the newly inaugurated board to provide strategic direction, policy guidance, and vigilant oversight in line with statutory provisions and government policies.
He enjoined members of the board to work harmoniously with the management of NSC to uphold professionalism and ensure that every meeting and decision delivers measurable outcomes in trade facilitation, cost reduction, and sectoral competitiveness.
He also assured the board of the Ministry’s full support and collaboration just as he called on members to justify the confidence reposed in them by Mr. President through integrity, discipline, and demonstrable results.
According to the statement, the Governing Board of NSC is chaired by the former Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema.
Other members include the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NSC, Dr. Pius Akutah; Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji, representing the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Mr. John Aluya, representing the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Rt. Hon Chiji Collins; Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olaseinde; Dr. Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti; Alhaji Mele Kofo Gladem; Mrs. Hafsatu Mohammed, representing the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL); Hon Maharazu Adamu Dayi; and Mrs. Uzoamaka Okereke, representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Responding on behalf of the Board, Shema expressed profound gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation in such a strategic capacity.
The Chairman of the NSC Board also thanked the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for the confidence reposed in him and other members of the board.
He specifically commended Oyetola for what he called “his visionary leadership” in repositioning the sector since his appointment by Mr. President.
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 NSC to deliver tangible and sustainable results for Nigerian shippers and the wider economy.
Maritime Bits had reported that NSC is the designated PER responsible for promoting efficiency, transparency, competitiveness, and fairness in port operations and service delivery.
In the discharge of its mandate, it protects the interests of shippers and improve Nigeria’s maritime trade environment.
