Ukeyima Priotises Blue Economy Upon Resumption as Shippers’ Council CEO

By Adedapo Adesanya 

The new chief executive of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), Mr Akutah Pius Ukeyima, has assumed duty, promising to give special attention to the country’s blue economy goals.

Mr Ukeyima, who was received by the management and staff of the council, conveyed his intention to hit the ground running.

He assured all of his readiness to work as a team for the realisation of the organisation’s mandate within the context of the marine and blue economy.

Mr Ukeyima said the shippers’ council is integral to the success of the agenda of President Bola Tinubu and Mr Gboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

The NSC boss said that over the years, the nation has been mulling the diversification of the economy from oil dependency to other revenue-generating sectors; this, he said, is the first time the federal government has taken a bold and pragmatic step by creating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

According to him, with the creation of the new ministry, the council’s mandate becomes a lot more robust.

He said there is much work to be done, promising that his tenure would reward hard work and commitment.

“Sometimes we don’t appreciate knowledge but moving forward, we will reward hard work,” he said.

Last month, President Tinubu appointed Mr Ukeyima as the new chief executive of the NSC after his recommendation for the position by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

He also appointed Mr Munirudeen Oyebamiji as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

Mr Tinubu tasked the new appointees to “faithfully implement the policies and programmes of the Honourable Minister in pursuit of the expeditious and efficient attainment of bolstered revenues and investments as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda’s Blue Economy strategy.”

The dwindling contribution of oil to the Nigerian economy has raised interest in diversifying the country’s revenue and one of the options being considered is that available in the developing blue economy.

Mr Oyetola, during his first days in office, said his ministry was determined to improve the country’s balance of trade by promoting the sector that could help solve the country’s revenue needs.