The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, on Monday inaugurated the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, charging members to uphold accountability and drive reforms in the maritime sector.

The inauguration ceremony took place at the Minister’s Conference Room in Abuja and marked a key step in strengthening institutional governance within Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy.

Speaking at the event, Dr Oyetola described the inauguration as a major milestone aligned with the Federal Government’s commitment to good governance and sectoral transformation.

He said the constitution of the Board, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda, reflects the administration’s resolve to reposition the maritime sector as a catalyst for national economic growth.

The Minister emphasised the strategic role of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as the nation’s designated Port Economic Regulator, noting that effective regulation is critical to improving efficiency, transparency and fairness in port pricing and service delivery.

According to him, strengthening the Council’s regulatory function will help reduce the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports, protect shippers’ interests and enhance the country’s competitiveness in regional and global trade.

Dr Oyetola urged the Board to provide strong strategic direction and policy guidance, while ensuring diligent oversight in line with statutory mandates and government policies.

He called on members to work closely with the Council’s management, maintain professionalism and ensure that decisions translate into measurable improvements in trade facilitation, cost reduction and sectoral competitiveness.

He further assured the Board of the Ministry’s full support, urging members to justify the confidence reposed in them by the President through integrity, discipline and results-oriented leadership.

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 (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, representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Responding on behalf of the Board, Dr Shema thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and expressed appreciation to the Minister for his leadership and confidence in the Board.

He pledged that members would discharge their duties with professionalism and integrity, while providing effective oversight to enhance regulatory efficiency and port performance.

He assured that the Board would work closely with the Ministry and the Council’s management to deliver sustainable outcomes that support Nigerian shippers and strengthen the national economy.

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council serves as the Port Economic Regulator, with responsibility for promoting efficiency, transparency and competitiveness in port operations, while safeguarding the interests of shippers and improving Nigeria’s maritime trade environment.