To drive national prosperity through the Port Economic Regulatory system within the Marine and Blue Economy, the NSC Governing Board is backing management to lead the charge in achieving the Federal Government’s ambitious 7% annual economic growth target by 2028.
According to a statement from the Council’s Head of Public Relations, Rebecca Adamu, the NSC Governing Board is ready to deliver on its mandate. At their first meeting in Lagos, Chairman Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, CON, emphasized that the board would spearhead efforts to help Nigeria hit its $1 trillion GDP milestone by 2030. This synergy between the board and management is expected to a key driver of the national economic agenda.
Former Katsina State Governor Dr. Shema emphasized that hitting ambitious growth and GDP targets demands unwavering effort and a unified commitment from both the board and management.
“It is of significant importance that the Shippers’ Council and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy are determined to support the President’s vision of a one-trillion-dollar economy and seven per cent growth. The Council, the Board and management are hereby called to service. We have a lot of work ahead of us,” he said.
The Board Chairman said for Nigeria to truly harness its blue economy, collaboration is no longer optional—it is essential”.
The Nigerian Shippers’ Council is setting a bold new course focused on transforming the maritime sector into a global economic powerhouse. Key priorities include digitizing trade processes, enhancing revenue generation, and fostering deep-rooted partnerships across the industry. This strategic focus ensures that Nigeria’s vast marine resources translate into tangible economic value and sustainable development for all.
“As demonstrated by the presentation we received this morning, there is a clear need for collective effort if the country is to move towards its full potential in the blue economy sector,” Dr Shema added.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary/CEO, Akutah Pius UKEYIMA, Esq, MON, FCILT, Ph.D emphasized that a powerful synergy between the Board and Management is the engine that will drive the Council’s success. He noted that this collaborative spirit is essential for delivering high-level institutional growth and robust financial performance, ensuring the Nigerian Shippers’ Council meets its mandate as a world-class Port Economic Regulator.
“Our transition depends on three key priorities,” Dr. Akutah stated, calling for Board support to actualize the NPERA Act, deploy the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), and trigger the 1% Freight Stabilisation Fee. Together, these initiatives will modernize port operations and solidify the Council’s mandate as the “referee” of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
“These initiatives are critical to strengthening regulatory clarity, improving cargo visibility, enhancing national security, and securing sustainable revenue for the Council,” Akutah said.
While noting the magnitude of the mission ahead, Dr. Akutah pointed to a strategic window of opportunity to reinvent the NSC. His vision is to transition the Council into a more financially independent and institutionally fortified agency, capable of delivering world-class regulatory oversight.
“Management is fully committed to supporting the Board with robust data, sound financial analysis and structured stakeholder engagement to ensure that all initiatives are pursued in a lawful, transparent and stakeholder-responsive manner,” he said.
“With the guidance of this Board, I am confident that we will continue to protect shippers’ interests, promote efficient port operations and contribute meaningfully to national economic growth,” Dr Akutah added.
Describing the inaugural session as a defining moment for the agency, Dr. Akutah noted that the collective expertise of the new Board provides a powerful foundation for success. He remains optimistic that this strategic alignment between the Board and Management will accelerate the Council’s mission to optimize port efficiency and boost national revenue.
