The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, on Monday, January 19, 2026, officially inaugurated the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
The event took place at the Minister’s Conference Room within the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in Abuja.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Oyetola described the inauguration as a crucial step toward reinforcing effective governance, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector. He noted that the Board’s formation, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda, reflects the Federal Government’s determination to strengthen institutions and reposition the maritime industry as a key driver of economic growth.
The Minister highlighted the pivotal role of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the nation’s Port Economic Regulator, stressing its responsibility in ensuring fair pricing, efficient port operations, and transparent service delivery. According to him, strong regulation is vital to lowering the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports, improving trade facilitation, safeguarding shippers’ interests, and boosting Nigeria’s standing in regional and global trade.
Dr Oyetola tasked the newly constituted Board with providing sound strategic leadership, policy direction, and effective oversight in line with existing laws and government policies. He urged members to work closely with the Council’s management, maintain professionalism, and ensure that Board decisions translate into measurable improvements in port efficiency, cost reduction, and sector competitiveness.
He further assured the Board of the Ministry’s full cooperation and support, encouraging members to justify the trust placed in them by the President through integrity, discipline, and tangible results.
The Board is chaired by former Katsina State Governor, Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema. Other members include the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council, Dr Pius Akutah; Dr Emi Membere-Otaji, representing NACCIMA; Mr John Aluya of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; Rt Hon Chiji Collins; Mrs Olufunmilayo Olaseinde; Dr Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti; Alhaji Mele Kofo Gladem; Mrs Hafsatu Mohammed of 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 appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve in such a strategic role and commended the Minister for his confidence and leadership in advancing the sector.
He assured that the Board would carry out its duties with professionalism and integrity, while working to enhance regulatory efficiency, improve port performance, and support initiatives aligned with Nigeria’s economic development goals. He added that the Board would collaborate closely with the Ministry and the Council’s management to deliver lasting benefits for Nigerian shippers and the broader economy.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council serves as Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator, mandated to promote efficiency, fairness, transparency, and competitiveness in port operations while protecting the interests of shippers and strengthening the country’s maritime trade environment.
