The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday formally inaugurated the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) in furtherance of the government’s moves to transform the maritime industry to a ley contributor to the nation’s GDP growth.
Speaking at the event, the minister described the inauguration of the board members as a milestone in strengthening institutional governance and accountability within Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, quoted him as saying that the inauguration of the Board underscores the government’s commitment to good governance, institutional effectiveness, and the strategic repositioning of the maritime sector as a catalyst for national economic transformation.
Oyetola pointed out that the NSC, as the designated Port Economic Regulator, occupied a critical position in promoting efficiency, fairness, and transparency in port pricing, charges, and service delivery.
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He stressed that effective regulation remained 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.
While charging the Board members to provide strategic direction, policy guidance, and vigilant oversight in line with statutory provisions and government policies, the minister also urged them to partner the management to uphold professionalism and ensure that decision taken will help in trade facilitation, cost reduction, and sectoral competitiveness in the maritime industry.
Oyetola assured the Board members of the ministry’s full support and collaboration and impressed it on them to justify the confidence reposed in them by the President and through integrity, discipline, and demonstrable results.
The new Board of the NSC is chaired by Dr. Ibrahim Shema, former Governor of Katsina State and members comrpised the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr Pius Akutah; representative of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Dr Emi Membere-Otaji; and representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Mr John Aluya.
Others are Rt Hon Chiji Collins; Mrs Olufunmilayo Olaseinde; Dr Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti; Alhaji Mele Gladem; representative of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL), Mrs. Hafsatu Mohammed, Hon Maharazu Dayi; and representative of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Uzoamaka Okereke.
In his brief remarks on behalf of the Board, the Chairman thanked President Bola Tinubu and the minister for the opportunity given the members of the Board to serve the nation in such a strategic capacity.
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.
Photo Caption
L-R: The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, (7th from left); Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood (5th from left); Chairman, Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) Governing Board, Dr. Ibrahim Shema (4th from right); Executive Secretary/CEO of NSC, Dr. Pius Akuta (3rd from right) and other Board members of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council at the inauguration of the Governing Board on Monday in Abuja
