Oyetola Inaugurates Nigerian Shippers’ Council Board, Tasks Members on Cost Reduction, Port Efficiency
Kathy Kyari
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday, 19th January 2026, formally inaugurated the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, marking a renewed push to strengthen governance, accountability, and efficiency in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the Minister’s Conference Room at the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Abuja, underscored the Federal Government’s resolve to reposition the maritime industry as a key driver of economic growth under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Addressing members of the newly constituted Board, Dr Oyetola described the inauguration as a significant milestone in strengthening institutional governance and accountability within Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector.
He stated that the Board’s constitution, approved by President Tinubu, reflects the administration’s commitment to good governance, institutional effectiveness, and the strategic repositioning of the maritime sector as a catalyst for national economic transformation.
The Minister emphasised the pivotal role of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the designated Port Economic Regulator, noting that the Council occupies a critical position in promoting efficiency, fairness, and transparency in port pricing, charges, and service delivery.
According to him, effective regulation remains essential to reducing the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports, facilitating trade, protecting shippers’ interests, and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global commerce.
Dr Oyetola charged Board members to provide strategic direction, policy guidance, and vigilant oversight in line with statutory provisions and government policies.
He urged them to work harmoniously with the Management of the Council, uphold professionalism, and ensure that every meeting and decision delivers measurable outcomes in trade facilitation, cost reduction, and sectoral competitiveness.
He further assured the Board of the Ministry’s full support, calling on members to justify the confidence reposed in them through integrity, discipline, and demonstrable results.
The Governing Board is chaired by former Katsina State Governor, Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema. Other members include Dr Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council; Dr Emi Membere-Otaji, representing the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Mr John Aluya, representing the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Rt Hon Chiji Collins; Mrs Olufunmilayo Olaseinde; Dr Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti; Alhaji Mele Kofo Gladem; Mrs Hafsatu Mohammed, representing the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL); Hon Maharazu Adamu Dayi; and Mrs Uzoamaka Okereke, representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Responding on behalf of the Board, Dr Shema expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation in such a strategic capacity.
He also thanked the Honourable Minister for the confidence reposed in the Board and for his leadership in repositioning the sector.
Shema assured that the Board would discharge its responsibilities with dedication, professionalism, and integrity, pledging its commitment to effective oversight, stronger regulatory efficiency, and support for initiatives aimed at enhancing port performance, improving trade facilitation, and advancing the national economic agenda.
He added that the Board would work closely with the Ministry and the Management of the Council to deliver tangible and sustainable results for Nigerian shippers and the wider economy.
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