On Thursday, March 5a, 2026, the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr. Ibrahim Shehu Shema, CON, reaffirmed the Board’s unwavering commitment to the Council’s new policy direction. Speaking at the 2026 Strategic Management Retreat, Dr. Shema emphasized the Board’s support for institutional transformation aimed at modernizing Nigeria’s maritime industry.
This was disclosed by the NSC Head of public Relations, Rabecca Adamu marking a new chapter for the Council, Dr. Shema made the commitment while kicking off the 2026 Strategic Management Retreat. Hosted at the Conference Hotel Limited, Abeokuta, the retreat serves as the official launchpad for the Council’s transformative policy shift.
In a bold move toward the FG’s $1 trillion economy vision, Dr. Shema reaffirmed the Board’s dedication to port modernization. He described a revitalised maritime sector as a powerful catalyst for growth, capable of fundamentally transforming Nigeria’s economic future.
“The Governing Board under my leadership is totally and unequivocally committed to much- needed policy direction to compliment the efforts of management in achieving the national goals set for this critical sector by the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy . In line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, a target of One Trillion Dollars Economy by 2030 has been set.
” This can be achieved if our dear Ministry keys into the target by effectively implementing the country’s National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy”, he said.
Similarly, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs Fatima Sugra Mahmud, (represented by Hajia Kalthum Gana, Director of Research, Planning, and Statistics), commended the Council’s Management for the timely retreat. She noted that the event aligns perfectly with a period where Nigeria’s Maritime Sector is undergoing a profound transformation and assuming greater strategic relevance.
She highlighted the Nigerian Shippers’ Council as a cornerstone of the maritime sector, particularly in executing its regulatory mandate to bolster port competitiveness
Furthermore, she urged the Council to maintain proactive engagement with terminal operators, shipping lines, and key stakeholders to ensure a seamless and efficient maritime ecosystem.
In his opening address, the Executive Secretary and CEO of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Akutah Pius Ukeyima, MON, announced a major legislative milestone. He confirmed that the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill has successfully cleared all previous points of conflict within the National Assembly. Following this resolution by both the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Bill has now been transmitted to the President for final assent.
Dr. Akutah hailed the NPERA Bill as a catalyst that will sharpen the NSC’s regulatory teeth and boost port performance nationwide. Pivoting to internal reforms, he celebrated the success of the Enterprise Content Management System (ECMS), declaring that the Council’s shift toward a digital-first, high-efficiency environment is now irreversible.
“Don’t just manage—transform.” This was the charge from Dr. Akutah as he urged leadership to shift from being mere administrators to becoming catalysts for institutional change. He noted that the Council’s success hinges on unified action and a culture of seamless collaboration across all departments and units.
According to the Director of Strategic Planning and Research, Mr. Rotimi Anifowose, the NSC’s 2030 Vision sets a high bar for institutional excellence.
He described the Council as a tech-savvy, credible regulator committed to proactive stakeholder engagement. This new direction ensures the NSC remains a key driver of trade competitiveness, fueling growth across Nigeria’s evolving maritime landscape
