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The newly inaugurated Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) has pledged to partner with management in steering the maritime sector toward Nigeria’s ambitious economic targets, including seven per cent growth by 2027–2028 and a one-trillion-dollar GDP by 2030.
Speaking at the board’s inaugural meeting in Lagos, Board Chairman Dr. Ibrahim Shema said the Council would play a pivotal role in unlocking the full potential of the country’s blue economy.
“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,” Dr. Shema said.
The former Katsina State governor emphasized that achieving these targets would require sustained effort and collaboration from both the board and management, stressing the need for collective action to harness the maritime sector’s national and international economic potential.
“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,” he added.
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NSC Executive Secretary Dr. Pius Akutah outlined priority initiatives where the board’s guidance would be critical, including the implementation of the Nigeria Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill, the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN), and the operationalisation of the one per cent Freight Stabilisation Fee.
“These initiatives are critical to strengthening regulatory clarity, improving cargo visibility, enhancing national security, and securing sustainable revenue for the Council,” Akutah said.
He highlighted that a strong partnership between the board and management would not only safeguard shippers’ interests and improve port efficiency, but also reposition the NSC as a financially resilient and institutionally robust regulator.
“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,” Akutah said.
The inaugural board meeting, described by the Executive Secretary as a landmark in the Council’s history, sets the stage for the NSC to deepen its influence in the maritime sector and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s broader economic growth agenda.
