Oyetola Inaugurates Shippers’ Council Board, Tasks Members on Port Cost Reduction, Accountability

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Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON (seventh from left); Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood (fifth from left); Chairman, Nigerian Shippers’ Council Governing Board, Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema (fourth from right); Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr Pius Akuta (third from right) and other Board Members of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council at the inauguration of the NSC Governing Board in Abuja, on Monday.

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has  inaugurated the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), charging members to strengthen accountability, deepen regulatory efficiency and drive reforms that will reduce the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports.

The inauguration, held at the Minister’s Conference Room in Abuja, marks a key step in the Federal Government’s efforts to reposition the maritime sector as a catalyst for national economic growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Speaking at the ceremony, Oyetola described the inauguration as a milestone in institutional governance within the Marine and Blue Economy sector. He said the constitution of the Board, approved by President Tinubu, reflects the administration’s commitment to good governance, effective regulation and the strategic transformation of Nigeria’s maritime industry.

The Minister emphasised the pivotal role of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the nation’s designated Port Economic Regulator, noting that effective oversight of port pricing, charges and service delivery is critical to improving efficiency, ensuring fairness and enhancing transparency across the port system. According to him, robust regulation is essential to lowering logistics costs, facilitating trade and boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.

Oyetola urged the Board to provide clear strategic direction and policy guidance while exercising vigilant oversight in line with statutory mandates and government policy. He called on members to work closely with the Council’s Management, uphold professionalism and ensure that Board decisions translate into measurable outcomes, particularly in trade facilitation, cost reduction and sectoral competitiveness. He also assured the Board of the Ministry’s full support and collaboration.

The newly inaugurated 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 Pius Akutah; representatives of key private sector and public institutions, including NACCIMA, MAN and NNPCL; as well as other industry stakeholders and government nominees.

Responding on behalf of the Board, Dr Shema expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and thanked Dr Oyetola for his leadership and confidence in the Board. He pledged that members would discharge their responsibilities with integrity, professionalism and dedication, while working to strengthen regulatory efficiency and support initiatives aimed at improving port performance and trade facilitation.

He assured that the Board would collaborate closely with the Ministry and the Management of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council to deliver tangible and sustainable benefits for shippers and the wider economy.

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