Accountability and Sectoral Reforms: Oyetola’s Charge to Nigerian Shippers’ Council Board

Accountability and Sectoral Reforms: Oyetola’s Charge to Nigerian Shippers’ Council Board

By prince Benson Davies

The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, has inaugurated the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, urging members to prioritize accountability and sectoral reforms. The Minister emphasized the critical role of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council in promoting efficiency, fairness, and transparency in port pricing, charges, and service delivery.

Key Highlights: Strengthening Institutional Governance: The inauguration is a significant milestone in strengthening institutional governance and accountability within Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector- Promoting Efficiency and Transparency: The Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as the designated Port Economic Regulator, is responsible for promoting efficiency, fairness, and transparency in port operations and service delivery. Board’s Responsibilities:* The Board is expected to provide strategic direction, policy guidance, and vigilant oversight, while ensuring that every meeting and decision delivers measurable outcomes.

Dr. Oyetola charged the Board members to work harmoniously with the Management of the Council, uphold professionalism, and justify the confidence reposed in them by the President through integrity, discipline, and demonstrable results.

Quote:
Dr. Oyetola: “I urge the Board to provide strategic direction, policy guidance, and vigilant oversight in line with statutory provisions and government policies, and to work harmoniously with the Management of the Council to deliver measurable outcomes in trade facilitation, cost reduction, and sectoral competitiveness.

The Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is chaired by Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, former Governor of Katsina State. The 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)
– Mr. John Aluya: Representative of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN)
– Rt. Hon. Chiji Collins: Member
– Mrs. Olufunmilayo Olaseinde: Member
– Dr. Funmilola Rashidat Adeoti: Member
– Alhaji Mele Kofo Gladem: Member
– Mrs. Hafsatu Mohammed: Representative of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL)
– Hon. Maharazu Adamu Dayi: Member
– Mrs. Uzoamaka Okereke: Representative of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy

The Chairman of the Board, Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity to serve the nation. He also thanked the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy for the confidence reposed in the Board and pledged to discharge their responsibilities with dedication, professionalism, and integrity.

The Board is committed to providing effective oversight, strengthening regulatory efficiency, and supporting initiatives that will enhance port performance, improve trade facilitation, and advance the national economic agenda. They will 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 is the designated Port Economic Regulator responsible for promoting efficiency, transparency, competitiveness, and fairness in port operations and service delivery, while protecting the interests of shippers and improving Nigeria’s maritime trade environment.

From left: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood; Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; Chairman, Nigerian Shippers’ Council Governing Board, Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema; and the Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, at the inauguration of the NSC Governing Board in Abuja, on Monday.