The spokesman to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Dr Bolaji Akinola, has joined the maritime community in celebrating one of its foremost leaders, Prince Olayiwola Shittu, on the occasion of his 75th birthday.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr Akinola described Prince Shittu as a consummate professional, visionary leader, and one of the finest ambassadors of Nigeria’s maritime industry.
He said the former National President of the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents (ANLCA) had devoted decades of service to building integrity, reform, and professionalism within the maritime sector.
According to Akinola, Prince Shittu’s contributions to trade facilitation, customs brokerage reform, and professional development have greatly enhanced Nigeria’s competitiveness in global trade.
He noted that through Shittu’s exemplary leadership, the Association of Nigerian Licensed Customs Agents evolved into a stronger, credible, and reform-oriented organisation.
“Prince Shittu’s leadership style, anchored on integrity, discipline, and inclusiveness, transformed ANLCA into a more vibrant and unified body,” Akinola said. “He was instrumental in fostering collaboration between government agencies and private sector operators, advancing transparency and professionalism.”
Dr Akinola highlighted the celebrant’s enduring commitment to capacity building, mentorship, and knowledge-sharing, describing him as a guiding figure for generations of maritime professionals.
He said many of today’s leading customs brokers and freight forwarders have benefited from Shittu’s mentorship and his belief in continuous learning and industry excellence.
Prince Shittu, he added, remains one of the most respected elder statesmen in the maritime community, widely acknowledged for his reformist vision and commitment to modernising customs operations across Nigeria.
During his tenure as ANLCA President, Shittu championed digitalisation and professional certification of customs brokers, initiatives that elevated industry standards and improved the nation’s ease of doing business ranking.
Beyond his professional achievements, Akinola noted that Prince Shittu is also celebrated for his humility, philanthropy, and devotion to community service, particularly in the areas of youth empowerment and education.
He said the celebrant’s passion for human capital development reflects his firm belief that sustainable growth is built on developing people and creating opportunities for the next generation.
“As the maritime community marks this milestone, we thank God for the life of a man whose story is defined by vision, hard work, and service,” Akinola stated.
He prayed for continued good health, wisdom, and happiness for Prince Shittu, saying his legacy will remain a guiding light for stakeholders committed to advancing the goals of Nigeria’s Blue Economy.
“Prince Olayiwola Shittu stands as a beacon of excellence in Nigeria’s maritime history,” Akinola said. “His influence and achievements will continue to shape the industry for generations to come.”
