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The Federal Government has set a clear reform agenda for Nigerian seaports with the inauguration of a new Governing Board for the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) charging members to drive accountability, reduce the cost of doing business, and strengthen regulation across the maritime sector.
Inaugurating the Board on Monday in Abuja, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola CON, said the reconstitution of the Council’s governing structure reflects President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resolve to entrench good governance and reposition the Marine and Blue Economy as a key engine of national economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Oyetola described the NSC, Nigeria’s designated Port Economic Regulator, as central to achieving efficiency, transparency, and fairness in port charges and service delivery.
He stressed that robust economic regulation is critical to lowering trade costs, protecting shippers, and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness within the sub-region and globally.
The Minister urged Board members to provide firm strategic leadership and effective oversight, insisting that regulatory decisions must translate into measurable outcomes, including improved port efficiency, fair pricing, and enhanced trade facilitation.
He, however, called for seamless collaboration between the Board and the Council’s management, while assuring members of the Ministry’s full support in delivering their mandate.
The newly inaugurated Board is chaired by Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, former Governor of Katsina State. Other members are Dr. Pius Akutah MON, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council; Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji (NACCIMA); Mr. John Aluya (MAN); Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins; Mrs Olufunmilayo Olaseinde; Dr. Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti; Alhaji Mele Kofo Gladem; Mrs Hafsatu Mohammed (NNPCL); Hon. Maharazu Adamu Dayi; and Mrs. Uzoamaka Okereke (Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy).
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Dr. Shema thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and commended the Minister for his leadership of the sector. He pledged that the Board would uphold professionalism and integrity while supporting reforms aimed at improving port performance, strengthening regulatory effectiveness, and delivering tangible benefits to shippers and the national economy.
NSC serves as Nigeria’s Port Economic Regulator, mandated to promote efficiency, transparency, competitiveness, and fairness in port operations, while safeguarding the interests of shippers and enhancing the country’s maritime trade environment.
This information was disseminated on Monday via a press statement signed by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
