…as NSC Board takes off

By Folarin Kehinde, Abuja

The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, has stated that effective regulation remains essential to reducing the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports, as he formally inaugurated the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, NSC.

According to a press statement signed by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr Bolaji Akinola, the inauguration took place at the Minister’s Conference Room in Abuja and marked a major milestone in strengthening institutional governance and accountability in the Marine and Blue Economy sector.

Speaking at the event, Oyetola said the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as the nation’s designated Port Economic Regulator, plays a critical role in promoting efficiency, fairness and transparency in port pricing, charges and service delivery.

He noted that effective regulation is vital to facilitating trade, protecting the interests of shippers and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global commerce.

“Effective regulation remains essential to reducing the cost of doing business at Nigerian ports, facilitating trade, protecting the interests of shippers and enhancing Nigeria’s competitiveness in regional and global commerce,” Oyetola stated.

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

Oyetola charged members of the newly inaugurated Board to provide strategic direction, policy guidance and vigilant oversight in line with statutory provisions and government policies, urging them to work harmoniously with the Management of the Council.

He also assured the Board of the Ministry’s full support and collaboration, calling on members to justify the confidence reposed in them by the President through integrity, discipline and demonstrable results.

The Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is chaired by former Katsina State Governor, Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema, and comprises representatives of key public and private sector stakeholders.

Responding on behalf of the Board, Shema expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and thanked the Minister for the confidence reposed in the Board.

He assured that the Board would discharge its responsibilities with dedication, professionalism and integrity, while working closely with the Ministry and the Management of the Council to strengthen regulatory efficiency, improve port performance and deliver tangible benefits to Nigerian shippers and the wider economy.

Other board 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; and Mr John Aluya, representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN.

Others are 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, representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.