The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has officially inaugurated the new Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers' Council (NSC), with former Katsina State Governor, Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, appointed as its Chairman.
A New Era for Maritime Governance
The inauguration ceremony, held in Abuja on January 19, 2026, marked the formal commencement of the board's tenure. Dr. Shema, who served as Katsina's governor for eight years, was sworn in alongside ten other members. Their appointments were approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as part of his administration's Renewed Hope Agenda.
Minister Oyetola described the event as a critical step towards strengthening institutional governance and accountability within the marine and blue economy sector. He emphasized that the board's formation is more than a ceremony; it signifies the activation of purposeful oversight and a renewed commitment to sectoral reforms.
The minister stated that the board's constitution underscores President Tinubu's dedication to good governance and the strategic repositioning of the maritime sector as a key driver for national development.
Mandate for Efficiency and Reform
Oyetola outlined the comprehensive reforms being implemented by his ministry. These reforms target several key areas:
- Improving port efficiency and competitiveness.
- Strengthening trade facilitation processes.
- Enhancing marine transportation infrastructure.
- Developing fisheries and aquaculture.
- Expanding coastal and maritime opportunities.
- Safeguarding environmental sustainability.
He highlighted the Nigerian Shippers' Council's pivotal role as the designated port economic regulator. The council is tasked with promoting efficiency, fairness, and transparency in port pricing, charges, and service delivery. Oyetola stressed that effectively discharging this mandate is essential for reducing business costs, protecting shippers' interests, and boosting Nigeria's regional and global trade competitiveness.
Board Charged with Strategic Oversight
The minister reminded the new board members of their significant public trust. He clarified that while the council's management handles daily operations, the board is responsible for providing policy guidance, strategic direction, and vigilant oversight in accordance with the law.
Oyetola urged the board to collaborate harmoniously with the management, guided by professionalism and mutual respect. He warned against conflicts that could hinder the institution's performance.
"This board must never become a routine forum," Oyetola asserted. "Every meeting must be purposeful, every deliberation must lead to clear and actionable decisions, and every decision must advance efficiency, fairness and competitiveness in the maritime sector." He assured the board of the ministry's full support and expressed confidence in their ability to deliver results with integrity.
Shema Pledges Diligent Service
In his acceptance speech, Board Chairman Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema thanked President Tinubu and Minister Oyetola for the opportunity to serve. He pledged that the board would execute its responsibilities with diligence and integrity.
Shema outlined the board's focus areas, which include:
- Strengthening regulatory oversight.
- Embracing global best practices.
- Enhancing the use of technology.
- Supporting reforms to improve trade facilitation and revenue generation.
"We assure you that this board will remain faithful to the mandate of the Nigerian Shippers' Council and work to enhance efficiency, fairness and competitiveness in the sector, in line with existing laws and government policies," Shema stated.
Full List of Board Members
The newly inaugurated board comprises the following members alongside Chairman Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema:
- Pius Akutah (MON)
- Chief Emi Membere-Otaji (OON)
- Chief John Aluya
- Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins
- Hon. Funmilayo Olasehinde
- Engr. (Dr) Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti
- Mele Kolo Giadem
- Mrs Hafsatu Mohammed
- Hon. Maharazu Adamu Dayi
- Mrs Uzoamaka Okereke
The inauguration formally activates the board's advisory and oversight functions for the Nigerian Shippers' Council under the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
