The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has formally inaugurated the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
The Special Adviser to Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Bolaji Akinola, made this disclosure in a statement to newsmen in Lagos on Monday.
Oyetola described the inauguration as a significant milestone in strengthening institutional governance and accountability within Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector.
He said that the constitution of the Board, approved by President Bola Tinubu in furtherance of the Renewed Hope Agenda, underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to good governance.
He noted that the board’s function would enhanced institutional effectiveness, and the strategic repositioning of the maritime sector as a catalyst for national economic transformation.
The Minister emphasised that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as the designated Port Economic Regulator, occupies a critical position in promoting efficiency, fairness, and transparency in port pricing, charges, and service delivery.
He mentioned 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.
Oyetola, consequently, charged members of the newly inaugurated board, to provide strategic direction, policy guidance, and vigilant oversight in line with statutory provisions and government policies.
He urged the shippers’ council board members, to work harmoniously with management of the board, to uphold professionalism.
The Governing Board is chaired by Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema, former Governor of Katsina State.
Other members include Dr Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council; Dr Emi Membere-Otaji, representative of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Mr John Aluya, representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Rt Hon Chiji Collins; Mrs Olufunmilayo Olaseinde.
Also among the members were, Dr Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti; Alhaji Mele Kofo Gladem; Mrs Hafsatu Mohammed, representative of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL); Hon Maharazu Adamu Dayi; and Mrs Uzoamaka Okereke, representative of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Responding on behalf of the board, its Chairman, Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation in such a strategic capacity.
He also thanked the Minister for the confidence reposed in the board and for his visionary leadership in repositioning the sector.
Shema assured that the Board would discharge its responsibilities with dedication, professionalism, and integrity.
He also pledged commitment to providing effective oversight, strengthening regulatory efficiency, and supporting initiatives that would enhance port performance.
