Inaugurates Nigerian Shippers’ Council Board, Emphasizes Accountability and Reform
Oru Leonard
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has formally inaugurated the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, charging members to prioritize accountability and sectoral reform.
The inauguration ceremony took place on January 19, 2026, at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja. Oyetola described the event as a significant milestone in strengthening institutional governance and accountability within Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector.
The Minister emphasized the Council’s critical role as Port Economic Regulator, promoting efficiency, fairness, and transparency in port operations. He urged the Board to provide strategic direction, policy guidance, and vigilant oversight to enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global commerce.
The Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is chaired by Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema, former Governor of Katsina State. Other members include Dr Pius Akutah, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Council; Dr Emi Membere-Otaji, representative of the Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA); Mr John Aluya, representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); Rt Hon Chiji Collins; Mrs Olufunmilayo Olaseinde; Dr Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti; Alhaji Mele Kofo Gladem; Mrs Hafsatu Mohammed, representative of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL); Hon Maharazu Adamu Dayi; and Mrs Uzoamaka Okereke, representative of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Responding on behalf of the Board, the Chairman, Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema, expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation in such a strategic capacity. He also thanked the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for the confidence reposed in the Board and for his visionary leadership in repositioning the sector.
Shema assured that the Board would discharge its responsibilities with dedication, professionalism, and integrity, and pledged its commitment to providing effective oversight, strengthening regulatory efficiency, and supporting initiatives that will enhance port performance, improve trade facilitation, and advance the national economic agenda.
He further assured that the Board would work in close collaboration with the Ministry and the Management of the Council to deliver tangible and sustainable results for Nigerian shippers and the wider economy.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council aims to promote efficiency, transparency, and competitiveness in port operations, protecting shippers’ interests and improving Nigeria’s maritime trade environment.
Cover Photo Caption:
Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, CON (seventh from left); Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood (fifth from left); Chairman, Nigerian Shippers’ Council Governing Board, Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema (fourth from right); Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr Pius Akuta (third from right) and other Board Members of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council at the inauguration of the NSC Governing Board in Abuja, on Monday.
