Akume hails marine ministry, shippers council for driving economic diversification
George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), has commended the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and the Nigerian Shippers Council (NSC) for their role in advancing Nigeria’s economic diversification through strategic logistics and maritime initiatives.
Akume gave the commendation on Tuesday in Jos, Plateau State, during the commissioning of a 250-capacity modern auditorium at the North Central Zonal Office of the NSC.
The new facility, named Sen. George Akume Hall, was constructed by the Council to deepen stakeholder engagement and promote maritime development across the region.
The SGF urged ministries, departments, and agencies to align their programmes with President Bola Tinubu’s economic diversification agenda, noting that the Ministry and the NSC have shown strong commitment to revitalising the country’s logistics and export systems.
He described the North Central region as a strategic hub for Nigeria’s diversification drive, given its abundant mineral resources and strong agricultural base. Akume noted that with improved logistics and transport infrastructure, the region could become a major contributor to non-oil exports.
“With improved logistics infrastructure, this region can become a key driver of Nigeria’s diversification agenda,” he said, adding that the government’s renewed focus on the marine and blue economy would unlock new opportunities for inland areas.
Akume described the new auditorium as “a statement of vision and testament to commitment,” reflecting the Tinubu administration’s efforts to reposition the maritime and logistics sector. He said the facility would foster dialogue, innovation, and policy coordination among stakeholders.
He also commended Pius Akuta, executive secretary of the NSC, for his leadership in promoting efficiency, fairness, and innovation in port operations, and for bridging the gap between seaports and inland regions through the establishment of Inland Dry Ports and zonal coordination offices.
“An economy where a farmer in Benue can ship produce seamlessly to Lagos Port, and an exporter in Jos can access global markets without unnecessary bottlenecks, is the kind of system we are building,” the SGF said.
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Plateau State governor, Caleb Mutfwang, represented by his deputy, Josephine Piyo, lauded the Council for the project and commended the federal government for ongoing reforms aimed at improving trade and logistics efficiency.
In his remarks, Akuta attributed the Council’s progress to the support and autonomy provided by the minister of Marine and Blue Economy, pledging sustained commitment to export promotion and trade facilitation.
The event drew several dignitaries, including traditional rulers and business leaders, who praised the federal government’s efforts to strengthen economic transformation through the maritime and logistics sectors.
