The governing board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council has thrown its weight behind the management in a renewed drive to help the Federal Government achieve economic growth of at least seven per cent by 2027–2028, positioning the maritime sector as a key engine of national development.
At the inaugural meeting of the newly constituted board in Lagos, the Board Chairman, Ibrahim Shema, said the Council would work closely with management to support President Bola Tinubu’s ambition of growing Nigeria’s economy to a one-trillion-dollar GDP by 2030.
He noted that delivering on such targets would demand sustained commitment, discipline and close collaboration between the board and management.
Shema, a former Governor of Katsina State, said the Shippers’ Council and the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy were fully aligned with the President’s vision, stressing that the task ahead required all hands on deck. He emphasised that Nigeria could only unlock the full potential of its blue economy through focused effort and collective resolve.
He explained that the Council would concentrate on initiatives critical to boosting the maritime sector’s contribution to both national and international trade, including improving the ease of doing business, facilitating commerce, enhancing revenue generation and deepening collaboration with stakeholders across the wider economy.
According to him, discussions at the meeting underscored the need for a shared sense of purpose if Nigeria is to realise the vast opportunities within the blue economy.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council, Pius Akutah, said a strong and cooperative relationship between the board and management would translate into measurable institutional and financial gains for the NSC.
He outlined priority areas requiring the board’s guidance, including the passage of the Nigeria Port Economic Regulatory Agency Bill, the implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note and the operationalisation of the one per cent Freight Stabilisation Fee.
Akutah said these measures were essential to strengthening regulatory clarity, improving cargo visibility, enhancing national security and securing sustainable revenue for the Council. While acknowledging the scale of the task ahead, he said it also presented an opportunity to reposition the NSC as a more resilient and effective regulator.
He added that management was committed to supporting the board with solid data, sound financial analysis and structured engagement with stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability. With the board’s guidance, he expressed confidence that the Council would continue to protect shippers’ interests, promote efficient port operations and make a meaningful contribution to Nigeria’s economic growth.