The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has sworn in the newly constituted Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority.
The event held on Monday, the 30th of June, 2025, at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, marks part of the federal government’s renewed effort to boost the maritime sector’s contribution to national growth.
During his remarks, Oyetola described the inauguration as a crucial step in strengthening the Authority’s governance and aligning it with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s broader agenda to reform key public institutions.
He said the administration remains committed to reforms that promote trade efficiency, transparency, and sustainable economic development through the marine and blue economy.
The minister noted that the NPA Act entrusts the Governing Board with policy oversight responsibilities, especially around staffing and budgeting.
These responsibilities are primarily handled by the Board’s Staff and Establishment Committee, as well as its Finance Committee.
He stressed that operational decisions and daily management remain under the exclusive control of the Managing Director and the executive management team, as clearly outlined in the NPA Act and the Public Procurement Act of 2007.
He stated: “It is important to emphasise that the day-to-day operations and execution of policy decisions remain solely the responsibility of the Managing Director and the Management Team.
“This is clearly stipulated in Section 10(3) of the NPA Act and further reinforced by the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2007.
“Clear boundaries between governance and management must be maintained for operational integrity and efficiency.
“The Board is to provide policy direction and supervision in line with government directives, but must not interfere with routine management or operational execution.
“To the Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority, I enjoin you to engage constructively with the Board in a manner that reflects professionalism, mutual respect, and shared responsibility.
“Institutional harmony is vital, and this can only be achieved through cooperation, transparency, and unwavering dedication to national service.
“To the newly inaugurated Board Members, I congratulate you. I urge you to approach this assignment with discipline, focus, and a firm commitment to national interest.
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“Your role is pivotal to the development of a competitive and efficient port system, one that meets global standards and contributes meaningfully to Nigeria’s economic transformation.”
Speaking on behalf of the new Board, Chairman Senator Adedayo Adeyeye expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust and confidence reposed in him and the other members.
He also thanked Minister Oyetola for his steadfast support throughout the nomination and inauguration process, describing him as a strong source of encouragement whose guidance helped steer the Board to this point.
Adeyeye praised the composition of the Board, describing the team as a group of experienced professionals capable of supporting the NPA’s mission.
He extended gratitude to the Managing Director, executive management, and the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary for their hospitality and readiness to cooperate.
He reaffirmed the Board’s readiness to collaborate closely with the NPA leadership and the Ministry to ensure a purposeful and productive tenure.
He underlined the importance of teamwork and respect for roles, identifying the Minister as the family head under whose leadership the Board would operate in unity and shared focus.
Members of the new NPA Board include Senator Adedayo Adeyeye as Chairman, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho as Managing Director, Hon. Olabanji Olawale Olateju, Hon. Amirudin Tukur Idris, Barr. Kelechi Igwe, Ekpebide Ebi-Erin Daniel, and Dr. Mercy Ilori representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
Other members are Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar, Executive Director of Engineering and Technical Services; Engr. Olalekan Badmus, Executive Director of Marine and Operations; and Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet, Executive Director of Finance and Administration.