Oyetola Tasks Shippers’ Council Board On Port Reforms, Cost Reduction
By Stella Enenche, Abuja
The Federal Government has reiterated its resolve to reform Nigeria’s port system and reduce the high cost of doing business in the maritime sector with the inauguration of a new Governing Board for the Nigerian Shippers’ Council.
Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Adegboyega Oyetola, made this known while inaugurating the Board on Monday in Abuja.
He described it as a critical step toward strengthening regulation, improving efficiency, and restoring confidence in Nigeria’s port operations.
Oyetola said the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, as the nation’s Port Economic Regulator, holds a strategic position in addressing persistent challenges such as arbitrary charges, inefficiencies, and weak accountability that continue to undermine trade competitiveness and inflate logistics costs.
According to him, effective regulation of port pricing and service delivery is central to lowering the cost burden on shippers, improving turnaround time at the ports, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive maritime hub in West and Central Africa.
The Minister noted that the Board’s inauguration, approved by President Bola Tinubu reflects the administration’s commitment to institutional reform and the repositioning of the Marine and Blue Economy as a key driver of economic growth and trade facilitation.
He urged Board members to focus on results-driven oversight, policy coherence, and collaboration with management, stressing that regulatory decisions must translate into measurable improvements in port efficiency, service quality, and competitiveness.
“The success of this Board will be measured by reduced costs, improved transparency, and a more predictable business environment for port users,” Oyetola said.
The newly inaugurated Board is chaired by former Katsina State Governor, Dr Ibrahim Shehu Shema. Other members include the Executive Secretary of the Council, Dr Pius Akutah, representatives of NACCIMA, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, NNPCL, and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, alongside other stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Shema assured that members would work to strengthen regulatory oversight, protect the interests of shippers, and support reforms aimed at improving port performance and trade facilitation.
He pledged close collaboration with the Ministry and the management of the Council to deliver reforms that would have tangible impact on port users and the wider economy.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council is responsible for regulating port economic activities, including pricing and service standards, with the mandate to promote fairness, transparency, and efficiency in Nigeria’s maritime trade ecosystem.
