The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Ibrahim Shema, has emphasized the need for stronger collaboration, innovation and institutional discipline within the Council as it positions itself to drive growth in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Shema spoke during the Council’s 2026 Strategic Management Retreat in Abeokuta, Ogun State, where he highlighted the critical role of the maritime industry in advancing Nigeria’s economic development agenda.
The four-day retreat, themed “Advancing Strategic Execution: Driving Collaboration, Innovation and Excellence for a Future-Ready NSC,” is taking place from March 4 to 7, 2026.
According to Shema, the Council remains committed to supporting the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in implementing policies that will unlock the vast opportunities within Nigeria’s maritime sector.
He noted that Nigeria’s over 850-kilometre coastline, extensive inland waterways and vast marine resources present enormous prospects for economic expansion if effectively harnessed.
Shema explained that strategic investments in port infrastructure, shipping services, fisheries, aquaculture, offshore energy and coastal tourism could generate millions of jobs while boosting Nigeria’s share in global maritime trade.
The NSC Board Chairman also stressed that collaboration among the Governing Board, management, staff and industry stakeholders remains essential to achieving the Council’s mandate.
He added that the Council will continue to promote policies that encourage innovation, operational efficiency and strategic partnerships across the maritime ecosystem.
Shema further urged staff of the Council to uphold professionalism and institutional discipline, particularly in the handling of internal matters.
He warned that the public airing of internal grievances could undermine the credibility and reputation of the Council as a key regulatory institution in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mrs. Fatima Sugra Mahmood, represented by the Director of Research, Planning and Statistics in the ministry, Hajia Kalthum Ibrahim, commended the Council for organizing the retreat at a time when Nigeria’s maritime sector is undergoing significant transformation.
She noted that the Nigerian Shippers’ Council plays a pivotal role in the sector through the execution of its regulatory mandate aimed at promoting competitiveness at Nigerian ports.
Mahmood also called for continuous engagement between the Council and industry stakeholders, including terminal operators and shipping companies, to ensure sustainable sectoral growth.
Also speaking at the retreat, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Akutah Pius, explained that the proposed Nigeria Port Economic Regulatory Agency (NPERA) Bill is yet to be signed into law by Bola Ahmed Tinubu due to conflicting provisions with the Nigerian Tax Administration Act.
Akutah said the bill was returned to the National Assembly for corrections after the conflicts were identified during the presidential review process.
He disclosed that the House of Representatives has already addressed the conflicting provisions and that the revised bill is currently awaiting concurrence from the Senate.
According to him, once signed into law, the legislation will provide a stronger statutory framework for port economic regulation and reposition the Council for an expanded mandate.
Akutah also announced that the Council’s proposed salary review has received approval from the ministry and the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation and is currently undergoing final vetting by the Budget Office.
He added that the proposal would subsequently be considered by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission for final approval before implementation.
The NSC boss also highlighted several welfare initiatives introduced by management, including an upward review of the Children Education Grant, the introduction of Health and Social Club allowances and Proficiency Allowances to encourage professional development.
Akutah urged staff to maintain high ethical standards and avoid gossip and misinformation, stressing that the credibility of the Council depends largely on the conduct and professionalism of its workforce.
Earlier in his welcome address, Director of Strategic Planning and Research, Rotimi Anifowose, stressed the importance of effective execution in meeting the Council’s strategic objectives.
He noted that as demands for efficiency, predictability and transparency increase within the maritime industry, the Council must deliver measurable results to sustain stakeholder confidence and strengthen its regulatory authority.
