Oyetola Says Nigerian Shippers Council To Become A Regulator, Asks Agency Boss to Tackle Local Berge Operators’ Worry
By Ovie Edomi
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola has told the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council to look into reasons for decrease in the number of local berges operating in the nation’s teritorial waters as well as how the ministry can sustain their operations in Nigeria, in line with the renewed hope agenda of the President Tinubu’s administration. He further directed the Shippers council boss, Dr Akutah Pius, MON,to make necessary recommendation to the Ministry as a way of addressing the issue raised by Nura Wagani, a local berge operators during the 2026 First Quarter Citizens/Stakeholders’ Engagement, Sectoral Performance Review, and Ministerial Management Retreat held in Lagos yesterday.
Earlier in his keynote address, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr. Adegboyega Oyetola revealed that Nigeria may soon set up a new national shipping company that would compete with foreign shipping lines in lifting cargoes from the country, adding that the new national carrier will play a critical role in reducing dependence on foreign shipping lines, retaining maritime value within the Nigerian economy, and creating employment opportunities.” He also noted that the Nigerian Shippers Council would be transformed to a Regulator.
Furthermore, Oyetola, announced a 160 per cent increase in revenue generated by agencies under the ministry According to him, revenue generated by agencies under the ministry rose from ₦700.79 billion in 2023 to approximately ₦1.83 trillion by the end of 2025, describing the increase as a reflection of deliberate policy reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency.
Oyetola further noted that the revenue growth was driven by strengthened regulatory oversight, improved revenue assurance mechanisms, digitalisation of key processes, and sustained efforts to block leakages within the system.
According to him, “This remarkable achievement is the result of deliberate and sustained reforms.” Besides he avered that the engagement forum underscores the ministry’s commitment to inclusive, transparent, and results-driven governance, noting that approvals have been granted for the development of new deep seaports in Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Ondo States. A project which he said are expected to expand Nigeria’s maritime capacity, decongest existing ports, and open up new economic corridors.
The minister also revealed that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s economic diversification agenda and is projected to stimulate trade, lower the cost of doing business, and attract investments across sectors.
The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Dr Pius Akutah, noted also that the Council is set for a seamless implementation of the International Cargo Tracking Note (ICTN) following the presidential approval.
Dr. Akutah maintained that the system will come through before end of this year.
He clarified that implementation of the ICTN remained a critical role of the Council, insisting that the NSC has been mandated to drive the ICTN project.
“At the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, we have already made a significant progress and the honorable minister has carried out extensive groundwork to facilitate the initiative and we have secured the presidential approval for the procurement process, which is currently underway. Furthermore, Dr Akutah Pius, MON commended the minister’s performance, describing it as a sign of institutional discipline and growing investor confidence in Nigeria’s marine and blue.