FG inaugurates shippers council board, tasks members on efficiency, port reforms

The Federal Government, on Monday, inaugurated the Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), charging members to drive efficiency, accountability and far-reaching reforms across Nigeria’s port and maritime sector.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held in Abuja, Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, said the constitution of the Board marked a critical step in strengthening institutional governance and repositioning the Marine and Blue Economy as a key driver of national development.

“As members of this Board, you bear a solemn public trust. You are charged with providing policy guidance, strategic direction, and vigilant oversight in accordance with the law.

“Let me emphasise that while Management is responsible for day-to-day operations, the Board’s duty is to ensure that the Council remains faithful to its mandate, complies with government policies, and consistently delivers value to Nigerian shippers and to the national economy,” he said

Oyetola noted that the inauguration was in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, who approved the constitution of the Board in accordance with relevant statutory provisions.

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He said the move underscored the administration’s commitment to good governance, institutional effectiveness and economic transformation.

According to the minister, the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy is implementing comprehensive reforms aimed at improving port efficiency and competitiveness, strengthening trade facilitation, enhancing marine transportation, deepening fisheries and aquaculture, expanding coastal and maritime opportunities, and ensuring environmental sustainability.

He stressed that the Nigerian Shippers Council, as the designated Port Economic Regulator, plays a pivotal role in promoting fairness, transparency and efficiency in port pricing, charges and service delivery.

“The effective discharge of this mandate is essential to reducing the cost of doing business at our ports, facilitating trade, protecting shippers’ interests and strengthening Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global commerce,” Oyetola added.

The minister reminded Board members of the public trust placed on them, noting that while management is responsible for day-to-day operations, the Board is expected to provide policy guidance, strategic direction and diligent oversight in line with the law.

He urged the Board to work harmoniously with the management of the Council, guided by professionalism, mutual respect and strict adherence to extant laws, government policies, rules and circulars.

Oyetola cautioned that the Board must not function as a routine forum, emphasizing that its effectiveness would be judged by the tangible impact of its decisions on trade facilitation, cost reduction and national competitiveness, rather than the number of meetings held.

The Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers Council is chaired by Ibrahim Shehu Shema, former Governor of Katsina State. Other members include Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council; Emi Membere-Otaji, representative of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); John Aluya, representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Chiji Collins; Olufunmilayo Olaseinde; Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti; Alhaji Mele Kofo Gladem; Hafsatu Mohammed, representative of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL); Maharazu Adamu Dayi; and Uzoamaka Okereke, representative of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Responding on behalf of the Board, the Chairman, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for the opportunity 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 would 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 the Council to deliver tangible and sustainable results for Nigerian shippers and the wider economy.

The Nigerian Shippers Council is the designated Port Economic Regulator responsible for promoting efficiency, transparency, competitiveness, and fairness in port operations and service delivery, while protecting the interests of shippers and improving Nigeria’s maritime trade environment.

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