The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has charged the newly inaugurated Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) to ensure measurable outcomes in trade facilitation, cost of doing business reduction and sectoral competitiveness.

Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja, Oyetola, emphasised that the NSC as the designated port economic regulator, occupies a critical position in promoting efficiency, fairness and transparency in port pricing, charges and service delivery.

Oyetola, in a statement by the Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Bolaji Akinola, said effective regulation remains essential to reducing the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports, facilitating trade, protecting the interests of shippers and enhancing the country’s competitiveness in regional and global commerce.

Oyetola urged the board to work harmoniously with the management of the Council to uphold professionalism, provide strategic direction, policy guidance and vigilant oversight in line with statutory provisions and government policies.

The minister 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 constitution of the Board, approved by President Bola Tinubu in furtherance of the Renewed Hope Agenda, underscored the Federal Government’s commitment to good governance, institutional effectiveness and the strategic repositioning of the maritime sector as a catalyst for national economic transformation.