Shippers’ Council in focus as Oyetola drives maritime overhaul

By Ezurike Ugochukwu 

The Nigerian Shippers’ Council has emerged as a central pillar in the Federal Government’s renewed push for accountability and capacity expansion in the maritime sector, as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola, intensifies reforms across the industry.

At the 2026 First Quarter Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement, Sectoral Performance Review, and Ministerial Management Retreat in Lagos, Oyetola set a firm tone for performance-driven governance, insisting that agencies under the Ministry must deliver measurable results or face consequences.

The Minister formalised this directive through the signing of performance bonds with heads of key maritime agencies, including the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, describing the agreements as binding commitments rather than routine administrative procedures.

“These are not ceremonial documents. They are binding commitments. Accountability will not be optional,” Oyetola declared.

He stressed that the new regime would prioritise data-driven decision-making, strict monitoring and evaluation, and alignment with the Ministry’s broader strategic objectives aimed at transforming Nigeria into a leading maritime hub.

Within this framework, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is expected to play a pivotal role in strengthening regulatory oversight, promoting fair trade practices, and protecting port users from arbitrary charges, particularly as reforms reshape the operational landscape of the nation’s ports.

Industry observers note that the Council’s strategic position as the port economic regulator places it at the heart of efforts to improve efficiency, reduce the cost of doing business, and ensure transparency in port operations.

Oyetola linked the accountability drive to wider sectoral gains, revealing that agencies under the Ministry recorded a 160 per cent revenue increase—from ₦700.79 billion in 2023 to about ₦1.83 trillion in 2025—driven by reforms focused on blocking leakages, enhancing revenue assurance, and digitising processes.

“In 2023, our agencies generated ₦700.79 billion. By the end of 2025, this figure had risen to approximately ₦1.83 trillion. This remarkable achievement is the result of deliberate and sustained reforms,” he said.

Beyond regulatory tightening, the Minister outlined an ambitious infrastructure expansion plan, clarifying that ongoing port modernisation efforts are not limited to Lagos but extend nationwide.

“Let me address a concern that has been raised in some quarters—that our focus is limited to Lagos ports. This is not the case,” he said.

He disclosed that procurement processes are underway for the upgrade of ports in Warri, Port Harcourt, Onne, and Calabar, alongside approved works at Apapa and Tin Can Island ports, as part of a broader strategy to improve cargo handling capacity and reduce vessel turnaround time.

In addition, Oyetola announced approvals for new deep seaports in Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo States, a move expected to decongest existing facilities and open new economic corridors.

The Minister also revealed significant progress toward the establishment of a national shipping carrier, with international partners already indicating interest in the project.

“I am pleased to inform you that we have made significant progress toward the refloating of a National Shipping Carrier,” he said, adding that the initiative would help retain maritime value within the country and create employment opportunities.

He further tied the development to the imminent disbursement of the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF), aimed at empowering indigenous shipowners and boosting local participation in global shipping.

Stakeholders at the engagement commended the Ministry’s reform agenda, noting that improved coordination among agencies—particularly the Nigerian Shippers’ Council—would be critical to sustaining growth, enhancing investor confidence, and ensuring that the benefits of maritime expansion translate into tangible economic gains.

With accountability measures tightening and capacity expanding across infrastructure and operations, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council is set to play an increasingly influential role in shaping a more efficient, transparent, and competitive maritime sector.