Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola CON (5th from left), Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, MON, (5th from right), DG/CEO, NIMASA, Dr. Dayo Mobereola (3rd from left) and Managing Director/CEO, Nigerian Ports Authority, Abubakar Dantsoho (4th from left) and other stakeholders during the retreat held in Abuja.

Nigerian Shippers’ Council NSC has highlighted its impressive performance, which included saving a whopping N31billion last fiscal year, and called for critical policy and funding reforms at the 2025 Sectoral Retreat of the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Meanwhile, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, H.E. Adegboyega Oyetola CON, who presided over the retreat, made a strong case for the transformation of the maritime sector, which he argued is expected to play key role in Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda.

Executive Secretary/CEO of the Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, MON, disclosed that the NSC saved the Federal Government over N31 billion between January and June 2024 through automation of demurrage, freight rate, and charter party verification.

Dr. Akutah addressing participants at the retreat.

Dr. Akutah also showcased the Council’s achievements, including the commissioning of the Funtua Inland Dry Port, top-ranking performance in the 2024 ICPC Ethics and Integrity Scorecard, the launch of online registration portals for port users and service providers and the development of the Trade and Transport Data Bank now nearing completion.

He emphasised the need for swift passage of the Nigerian Port Regulatory Agency Bill and consistent access to statutory funding.

The Minister who declared the retreat open, stated that the Marine and Blue Economy sector had been placed at the forefront of the Federal Government growth agenda and that agencies must respond with measurable performance and improved service delivery.

The Minister also noted several milestones achievements over the year, such as modernisation of port infrastructure, steady improvement in port efficiency, progress on the National Single Window, commencement of Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund disbursement. He also noted that the recent approval of the National Policy on Marine and Blue Economy, marked a new phase in the sector’s development.

He further outlined key imperatives for sectoral transformation, including inter-agency synergy, digitalisation, governance, and environmental responsibility.

In the course of the retreat, agency heads are made to sign performance bonds anchored on specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), reinforcing a shared commitment to measurable results and transparency.