From Rotimi Asher, Lagos
Federal government has tasked the newly-inaugurated governing board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council ,NSC, on transparency and efficiency to boost the nation’s maritime objectives.
Mr Bolaji Akinola, the Special Adviser to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, announced the inauguration in a statement recently.
According to the statement, the former governor of Katsina State, Mr Ibrahim Shema, was named chairman of the board.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mr Oyetola described the ceremony as a milestone in strengthening governance and accountability in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy sector, “in line with President Bola Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda”.
Before the inauguration of the current board, the NSC operated under an ad hoc management arrangement for nearly three years, following the dissolution of federal boards in mid-2023.
The Minister said the board’s role would enhance institutional effectiveness and reposition the maritime sector to drive economic transformation.
He said the NSC, as the port economic regulator, plays a key role in promoting efficiency, fairness, and transparency in port operations.
Mr Oyetola said effective regulation is essential to reducing port costs, boosting trade, and improving Nigeria’s competitiveness.
The Minister asked the new board members to provide strategic direction, offer oversight, and work closely with management to uphold professionalism.
Other members of the board include Mr Pius Akutah, executive secretary and chief executive officer of the council, and Mrs Emi Membere-Otaji, representing the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture ,NACCIMA.
The board also includes Mr John Aluya, representing the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria ,MAN, Mr Chiji Collins, Mrs Olufunmilayo Olaseinde, Mrs Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti, and Mrs Mele Kofo Gladem.
Additional members are Mrs Hafsatu Mohammed, representing Nigerian National Petroleum Company ,NNPC, Limited , Mrs Maharazu Adamu Dayi, and Mrs Uzoamaka Okereke, representing the ministry of marine and blue economy
