Ex-governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Shehu Shema, has been inaugurated as the chairman of the Board of Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC).
Speaking at the inauguration, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, said the ministry is undertaking comprehensive reforms to reposition the sector as a vital pillar of economic growth and national development.
He further said the event is more than a ceremonial rite as it represents the activation of institutional governance, the entrenchment of accountability, and the commencement of a renewed phase of purposeful oversight within the marine and blue economy sector.
The minister, in his speech, further said, “The Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is expected to align fully with these priorities and provide the strategic oversight required to translate policy into measurable outcomes.
“The Nigerian Shippers’ Council occupies a critical position as the designated Port Economic Regulator, entrusted with promoting efficiency, fairness, and transparency 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.
“As members of this Board, you bear 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.”
Oyetola disclosed that the ministry is undertaking comprehensive reforms to reposition the sector as a vital pillar of economic growth and national development, noting that “Our focus includes improving port efficiency and competitiveness, strengthening trade facilitation, enhancing marine transportation, deepening fisheries and aquaculture development, expanding coastal and maritime opportunities, and safeguarding environmental sustainability.
In his acceptance remarks, and on behalf of ten other members, Shema said the board chairman thanked President Tinubu and the minister for the opportunity to serve, pledging that the board would discharge its responsibilities with diligence and integrity.
He said the board would focus on strengthening regulatory oversight, adopting best practices, enhancing technology use, and supporting reforms to improve trade facilitation and revenue generation in the maritime sector.
“We assure you that this board will remain faithful to the mandate of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council and work to enhance efficiency, fairness and competitiveness in the sector, in line with existing laws and government policies,” Shema said.
Other members of the board include: Pius Akutah, Emi Membere-Otaji, John Aluya, Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins, Hon. Funmilayo Olasehinde, Engr. (Dr) Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti, Mele Kolo Giadem, Mrs Hafsatu Mohammed, Hon. Maharazu Adamu Dayi, and Mrs Uzoamaka Okereke.
