AfriPulse
January 19, 2026 January 19, 2026
By Myke Uzendu, Abuja
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, charging them to uphold accountability and inject new ideas into the system.
He describing the event as a key milestone in advancing institutional governance and repositioning Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The inauguration, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to good governance, transparency, and transforming the Marine and Blue Economy into a major driver of national economic growth.
In his address, Oyetola highlighted the NSC’s pivotal role as the designated Port Economic Regulator, tasked with ensuring efficiency, fairness, and transparency in port pricing, charges, and service delivery. He stressed that effective regulation is essential to lowering the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports, facilitating trade, protecting shippers’ interests, and boosting Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global commerce.
The Minister charged the Board to provide strategic direction, policy guidance, and rigorous oversight in accordance with statutory provisions and government policies. “Work harmoniously with the Management of the Council, uphold professionalism, and ensure every meeting and decision delivers measurable outcomes in trade facilitation, cost reduction, and sectoral competitiveness,” he urged.
The former governor of Osun state assured the Board of the Ministry’s full support and collaboration, calling on members to justify the confidence reposed in them through integrity, discipline, and tangible results.
The Governing Board is chaired by Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema, former Governor of Katsina State. Other members include Dr Pius Akutah (Executive Secretary/CEO of the NSC), Dr Emi Membere-Otaji (NACCIMA representative), Mr John Aluya (MAN representative), Rt Hon Chiji Collins, Mrs Olufunmilayo Olaseinde, Dr Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti, Alhaji Mele Kofo Gladem, Mrs Hafsatu Mohammed (NNPCL representative), Hon Maharazu Adamu Dayi, and Mrs Uzoamaka Okereke (Ministry representative).
Responding on behalf of the Board, Chairman Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the appointment and thanked the Minister for his visionary leadership. He pledged the Board’s dedication to professionalism, effective oversight, regulatory efficiency, and collaboration with the Ministry and NSC Management to deliver sustainable results for Nigerian shippers and the broader economy.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council remains the key regulator promoting efficiency, transparency, competitiveness, and fairness in port operations while safeguarding shippers’ interests and enhancing Nigeria’s maritime trade environment.
PIX: Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, 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.
Source: Authorityngr.com | Read the Full Story…
