The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Dr. Pius Akutah, on Tuesday said that President Bola Tinubu is deeply committed to achieving significant infrastructural development across the country during his tenure by implementing the various reforms he has initiated.
Dr. Akuta stated this when he hosted members of the Conference of Benue Journalists (CBJ), who visited him at his Abuja office.
According to the Nigerian Shippers Council chief executive officer, President Tinubu in the last two years has taken strategic bold policy decisions that are already reshaping the economy to improve millions of lives.
“In the last two years, I will say, so far so good, he has taken some bold steps, taking some policy directions that are shaping the economy,” Akutah stressed.
The Shippers Council boss explained that the removal of fuel subsidy by the President on day one in office, although, quite painful and condemned by many people, has provided huge funds for the government at both national and sub-national levels for the execution of critical infrastructural projects in different parts of the country.
“You will see what he is doing with the economy. When he took over, you know what the foreign reserves were and you know what it is today. There is significant growth.
“The very first day, he took a very bold initiative to remove fuel subsidy, which many of you have written and condemned in the past. Of course, all the presidential candidates at that time promised to remove the fuel subsidy, this President, has displayed that capacity to do what he said. So, he kept his campaign promise by removing the subsidy. We don’t know if other people would have had the courage to go ahead and remove it,” Akutah added.
The Nigerian Shippers Council chief executive described President Tinubu’s creation of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy as a strategic move that has unlocked Nigeria’s vast maritime potential and also revitalised the economy.
Akutah said carving out the new ministry from the transportation sector was an “economic masterstroke” that would enable the nation to fully harness its underutilised ocean resources while driving reforms in the port industry.
He said that despite Nigeria’s extensive coastline and maritime trade opportunities, the country had for years failed to maximise the benefits of its marine wealth.
According to him, ongoing efforts to modernise port operations form part of a broader strategy to boost the blue economy, attract investment, and create jobs.
Dr. Akutah also highlighted the role of the media in promoting development-oriented ideas and holding leaders accountable, describing journalists as “the conscience of society.”
He urged the press to spotlight opportunities in the blue economy and promote initiatives that showcase Nigeria’s maritime potential at home and abroad.
“You occupy a very key position in terms of national development. You are the conscience of society because you speak to the ears of the people and promote goodwill. The role you play in societal engineering is very crucial, and I am delighted to receive you here,” he said.
The Nigerian Shippers Council boss thanked members of the Conference of Benue Journalists (CBJ) for the visit and praised the association’s 20 years of existence as a professional body.
He encouraged members of the group to continue to project Benue state positively, particularly in light of challenges faced by local media due to inadequate sponsorship and equipment.
Dr. Akutah also commended President Tinubu for the huge support he has shown to the people of Benue State, especially with the appointment of Senator George Akume as Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).
“For us in Benue, he has done so much for us, for appointing one of us as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and so much believing in him, standing with him, even when there are some motives coming from different quarters about his removal.
“You know, it has been muted twice, but twice, the President has stood with us, the people of Benue, and has continued to work with our leader. That is commendable. It must be that the President is in love with the Benue people, and that is why he has continued to patronize us at that level,” he noted.
In his remarks earlier, the President of CBJ, Dr. Anule Emmanuel thanked the Nigerian Shippers Council boss for hosting the group, and expressed the organisation’s readiness to support his leadership through positive reporting of his activities.
Dr. Anule noted that CBJ has been monitoring his work at the Nigerian Shippers Council since he resumed office on November 1, 2023.
“We are aware that you have led significant reforms at the Council aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and service delivery in the Nigerian maritime sector.
“It is public knowledge that under your leadership, the Council has embarked on digitalization of processes — automating documentation, cargo tracking, dispute resolution, and communication. These changes are already streamlining operations, reducing cargo clearance time, and enhancing transparency in the Maritime sector,” the CBJ President added.
