Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine & Blue Economy
The Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has said that the Maritime sector is a cornerstone of the nation’s economy growth.
The Minster was represented at the 2025 Nigerian Shippers Council’s Strategic Management Retreat held in Ibadan, Oyo State by the Director, Planning, Research & Statistics in the Ministry, Hajiya Ralthum Ibrahim.
Oyetola noted that the sector is serving as a critical link to global trade networks and fostering pathways for commerce that drive the nation’s development.
He commended the Executive Secretary/CEO of Nigeria Shippers’ Council Dr. Akutah and the management team for their commitment and innovations in the maritime sector.
” I commend Akutah Pius and his team for their unwavering commitment to excellence and innovations within the maritime sector. Their dedication in organizing this retreat annually showcases a continual drive towards progress and underline the pivotal role we all hold in propelling our economy towards a prosperous future. The restless efforts of shippers and stakeholders in the maritime industry is truly commendable”, he said.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian shippers’ Council, Pius Ukeyima Akutah, while speaking at the retreat said that the implementation of International Cargo Tracking Note, ICTN, implementation would begin by 2nd quarter, 2025.
The NSC boss said that the Honorable Minister of Marine & Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, has been pushing for the implementation of cargoes tracking at the nation’s seaports.
According to him, the stakeholders in the maritime sector have been advocating for the introduction of cargo tracking note, noting that the operationalisation of ICTN will enhance the safety of cargoes.
On the one percent freight stabilization fee, Akutah noted that the self-collection is anchored on the Presidential assent to the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency, NPERA, bill.
Akutah said the Nigerian Port Economic Regulatory Agency bill has been passed by both the House of Representatives and National Assembly, adding that it is presently waiting for Mr. President’s assent.
He noted that the bill would aid efficiency of the nation’s ports when operational.
He also spoke on the milestone achievements recorded by the Council in the year 2024. These achievements, he said, include the signing of condition of service for maritime workers in the Shipping Sector, Launching of Operational Manual for Inland Dry Ports and Hosting of the 17th International Seminar for Judges.
Others are Rolling out Online Registration Portal for Regulated Service Providers & Users, Developing E- Regulatory Process Portal, ERPP, Confirmation of Reasonableness of Demurrage, Freight Rates and Charter Party Fee Portal, Recovery billions of Naira through robust complaints handling mechanism and introducing a Leadership Development Program to Strengthen institutional capacity through succession planning.
Director, Strategic Planning & Research Department, Mr. Rotimi Anifowose, said that the retreat is looking at the Council’s Strategic Planning from 2025 – 2029. Anifowose noted that the preparedness for the NPERA bill informed the 2025 strategic management retreat.
Source: Sweetcrude
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