The Nation Newspaper

Category: Maritime

  • Nigeria’s Dantsoho elected VP of global ports body

    Nigeria’s Dantsoho elected VP of global ports body

    Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho has been elected Vice-President for Africa of the International Association for Ports & Harbours (IAPH).

    His election his indicative of Nigeria’s growing influence in global maritime affairs.

    The election, held in Tokyo, marks another milestone for Dantsoho, who previously made history as the first Nigerian to lead the Port Management Association of West and Central Africa since its establishment in 1972.

    In a statement yesterday, NPA spokesperson Ikechukwu Onyemekara said the appointment reflects international recognition of Nigeria’s renewed leadership in maritime development. IAPH Secretary-General Masahiko Furuichi also welcomed the development, noting, “I am delighted to work together with you in IAPH for the years to come.”

    READ ALSO: FULL STEPS: How to be a LAGRIDE driver, earn N250,000, above

    Dantsoho’s leadership at the NPA has been marked by major operational gains, including a significant rise in non-oil exports and an improved trade balance. According to the Nigerian Export Processing Council (NEPC), non-oil exports rose by 19.59% in the first half of 2025 to $3.225 billion, while export volumes on NPA platforms climbed to 4.04 million metric tonnes. The Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) also credited these reforms with helping Nigeria achieve trade surplus.

    Founded in 1955 and situated in Tokyo, IAPH is a global alliance of more than 190 ports and 167 port-related businesses across 89 countries. Collectively, its members handle over 60% of the world’s seaborne trade and container traffic. The body plays a key role in shaping global maritime policy, working closely with the International Maritime Organization, World Customs Organization, and the United Nations system.

    Dantsoho’s elevation places Nigeria at the heart of global port policy debates, strengthening its voice in advancing trade efficiency, port resilience, and sustainable growth in the maritime sector.

  • Stakeholders call for action on blue economy policy

    Stakeholders call for action on blue economy policy

    Stakeholders from across the country’s maritime sector have issued a united call for urgent implementation of the newly launched 10-Year Marine and Blue Economy Policy, warning that the country risks repeating past policy failures unless immediate steps are taken to convert vision into action.

    The call came yesterday, during the inaugural edition of CODE BLUE, a new monthly Ocean Intelligence Brief hosted virtually from Lagos, by the Blue Economy Academy.

    Themed “Blueprint to Reality: Nigeria’s 10-Year Marine and Blue Economy Policy – Unpacking the Blueprint for Action”, the session brought together officials from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, coastal state representatives, maritime agencies, industry leaders, academics, and civil society groups.

    “The sea affects all of us. Every Nigerian stands to gain if the Blue Economy flourishes,” said the convener of CODE BLUE and Founder of the Blue Economy Academy, Ubong Essien

    “Let this be the start of a national awakening, where we no longer ignore the ocean, but integrate it into our economy, education, and everyday life,”.he added.

    Participants broadly welcomed the 10-year policy as a long-overdue roadmap to harness the nation’s marine resources for economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability. The policy outlines interventions across shipping, fisheries, offshore energy, coastal tourism, climate resilience, and more. However, experts agreed that the key challenge now lies in translating the document into measurable outcomes.

    READ ALSO: Transforming health sector

    “Nigeria has some of the best policies. But if we do not have a path to achieve it, it will not work,” one participant warned.

    A representative from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy confirmed the government’s commitment but noted that implementation must begin at the subnational level.

    “Governors should be the first people to implement it at the grassroots level,” a participant said, stressing that the policy must reach local ports, rivers, and coastal communities—not remain centralised in Abuja.

    Former Director-General of NIMASA, Temisan Omatseye, emphasised the need for performance metrics and strategic execution. With Nigeria exporting refined petroleum and fertiliser, Omatseye argued that the nation must build its own shipping capacity and reduce foreign dependence.

    He said: “We are doing a lot of talking, but not putting a lot on the table. Why should we rely on Angolan vessels to carry Nigerian cargo?”

    “Once a policy like this is approved, you must have a strategy and a KPI to go with it. Otherwise, it will gather dust.”

    Director-General of the Nigerian Chamber of Shipping, Vivian Azubuike, said Nigeria is far from realising its full maritime potential.

    “We have not optimised our status as a maritime nation. We need to be strategic—improve existing ports and inland waterways, and ensure any new infrastructure directly supports trade and communities,” she said.

    Azubuike also cautioned against poorly thought-out projects that do not yield economic value. She stressed the need to align policy with local development and maritime education.

    Community advocate and founder of the Catch Them Young initiative, Violet Williams, delivered a passionate plea for early-stage maritime education and youth inclusion.

    “If a child in Port Harcourt doesn’t know the colour of water, we have a problem,” she said.

    Williams proposed the introduction of maritime studies in primary and secondary schools and advocated for skills development in coastal communities.

    “Let’s assemble ships in Nigeria for our seafarers. If we want to create jobs, that’s the best way. We need action… Semantics is too much,” she noted.

    She called for the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund (CVFF) to be made accessible to local entrepreneurs, enabling them to own and operate vessels that support domestic shipping.

    The session wrapped up with a robust set of resolutions aimed at moving Nigeria’s Blue Economy Policy from paper to practice.

    Key among them was the immediate development of an implementation roadmap detailing specific projects, timelines, responsible agencies, and performance indicators. Participants also called for the creation of a multi-agency task force, including ministries of transport, environment, and education, along with the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), and private sector players, to drive coordination, avoid duplication of efforts, and ensure unified execution.

    To unlock inland trade potential, stakeholders prioritised the dredging and revitalisation of river channels to connect cities to ports. Education reform featured strongly, with calls to integrate maritime subjects into school curricula, expand training institutions, and fund seafarer scholarships. Grassroots projects such as fishing farms, seafood processing hubs, and school ocean clubs were recommended to foster community engagement. The government was also urged to incentivise local enterprise, particularly in shipbuilding, aquaculture, tourism, and marine tech, through funding access, tax relief, and land grants.

    Finally, the establishment of a Blue Economy Delivery Unit was proposed to monitor implementation, publish progress reports, and coordinate a quarterly stakeholder forum to track milestones and refine strategies.

    The next edition of CODE BLUE is scheduled for August 26, 2025. Organisers say the monthly briefing will serve as a pulse check to hold all players accountable and maintain focus on results.

    With consensus on urgency, collaboration, and youth empowerment, stakeholders at the forum believe Nigeria stands at a pivotal moment. If implemented effectively, the Blue Economy policy, they noted, could unlock massive opportunities across sectors—positioning the nation as a true maritime power in Africa.

  • Experts: Port efficiency hinges on skill, structure

    Experts: Port efficiency hinges on skill, structure

    The country’s maritime sector is undergoing a strategic reset as industry leaders push for urgent reforms focused on human capital development and regulatory overhaul.

    At the 2025 Annual Conference of the Association of Maritime Journalists of Nigeria (AMJON) held on Friday, July 18, 2025 in Lagos, NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML), and the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC), outlined strategies to bridge training gaps and streamline port operations to boost efficiency and global competitiveness.

    Represented by NSML’s Chief Financial Officer, Mutiu Olayiwola, the Managing Director, Abdulkadir Ahmed said the maritime sector is now at a critical juncture where “investment in human capital is no longer optional but essential.” 

    He warned that new international regulations, from climate mandates to cybersecurity rules and crew welfare standards, require a workforce that is agile, educated, and globally competitive.

    Delivering a keynote on “The Evolving Global Maritime Regulatory Environment – The Role of Maritime Training and Capacity Development,” he cited transformative policies like the IMO’s Sulphur Cap, EEXI, and CII as game changers that compel shipowners to adopt cleaner, more efficient technologies.

    Ahmed added, “With increased reliance on digital systems onboard, the threat landscape has broadened. It’s no longer enough to train for traditional operations—we must build competence in cyber defence, automation, and sustainable energy use.”

    READ ALSO: Yahaya Bello weds fourth wife in private ceremony

    To address this, he revealed NSML is investing heavily in maritime training through its Maritime Centre of Excellence (MCOE) in Bonny, Rivers State, where over 200 cadets have already been trained with many absorbed into NSML’s operations. The centre, he said, delivers UK-accredited, STCW 2010-compliant programmes with one of Africa’s most advanced maritime simulation systems for bridge operations, crisis response, and cargo handling.

    Beyond training, Ahmed said NSML’s contributions include fleet renewal with dual-fuel vessels, investment in LPG carriers, support for the Deep Blue security project, and strategic collaborations with NIMASA and global bodies to advance maritime sustainability and compliance.

    While NSML tackles the human capital challenge, the Nigerian Shippers’ Council (NSC) is moving to fix fragmented port governance through a Standard Regulatory Framework that prioritises transparency, efficiency, and stakeholder inclusiveness.

    NSC Executive Secretary, Dr Pius Akutah, represented by Deputy Director Ibrahim Mohammed, delivered a paper titled: “Ensuring Standard Regulatory Framework: What Strategies and Options?” where he decried Nigeria’s 130th place out of 139 countries in the 2023 World Bank Logistics Performance Index.

    “A standard regulatory framework is not just a technical necessity—it is an economic imperative,” Akutah said, quoting UNCTAD. 

    “Where regulation is smart and efficient, trade flows. Where it is not, trade chokes.”

    Mohammed noted that 49 per cent of port delays stem from overlapping inspections by more than eight federal agencies operating within the ports, leading to high logistics costs and reduced investor confidence.

    To address these bottlenecks, the NSC proposed: legislative reform via the Nigerian Ports Economic Regulatory Authority (NPERA) Bill to clarify mandates and enhance NSC’s enforcement powers;

    digital integration through a Port Community System (PCS) linking all port users; codified and transparent regulations, updated tariffs and sanctions; performance monitoring using monthly KPIs such as turnaround time and dwell time; creation of a Maritime Economic Tribunal for fast dispute resolution within a 21-day target; and stakeholder engagement, including Quarterly Regulatory Roundtables to ensure inclusivity in policymaking.

    He added that similar reforms in countries like Ghana and Singapore have shown tangible results, including 60 per cent reduction in clearance time and 34 per cent increase in revenue through digital harmonisation and agency integration.

    “As Nigeria eyes deeper participation in the AfCFTA and broader global trade, the time to fix our ports is now,” Mohammed stressed.

    Both Ahmed and Akutah agreed that maritime reform must be anchored on people and systems. 

    While NSML builds a globally competitive workforce, the NSC is crafting a policy environment where that workforce can thrive. Together, these efforts mark a pivotal step toward unlocking the full economic potential of Nigeria’s blue economy.

    They lauded AMJON for sustaining the maritime narrative and urged the media to continue amplifying stories that drive reform, innovation, and national development.

  • Lekki Port begins transhipment to Togo, Ghana, Abidjan

    Lekki Port begins transhipment to Togo, Ghana, Abidjan

    Nigeria’s first deep seaport, Lekki Port, has announced that it has commenced transhipment operations to some ports in neighbouring countries like Togo, Ghana and Abidjan in Côte d’Ivoire.

    Addressing reporters in Lagos yesterday, its Deputy Chief Operating Officer, Daniel Odibe, said that the port also carried out a trial transhipment within Nigeria to Onne Port just recently.

    According to Odibe: “We had our first transhipment operations in 2023, which is the first in the Nigerian economy.

    Similarly, the firm revealed that $1.5 billion seaport has  concluded plans to ramp up operations from 287,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) handled in 2024 to 500,000 TEUs by the end of this year. He said out of 1.2 million TEUs capacity, the port is currently handling only about 20 per cent of its projected cargo throughput.

    According to Odibe, the Port is still targeting more international transhipment cargos from other West African countries.

    READ ALSO: Nurses, midwives give FG 15-day ultimatum, threaten nationwide strike

    “Before now, countries like Togo, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire used to be the transhipment hub for Nigerian-bound cargoes. You know what that means for our cargo? They spend more time coming to us. They incur more costs because they are double-handled in those transhipment hubs, all because Nigeria didn’t have a deep-sea port.

    “So, commencement of operations at Lekki Port changed the whole transhipment story. The story is in our favour right now. We are now talking about international transhipment. We are now doing international transhipment to other West African countries such as Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Abidjan, Togo and Cotonou.”

    The port, he said, intends “to expand to the rest of Africa. But most importantly, we hope to expand the local transhipment. Currently, you have ports like Warri, Calabar, Onne, and then we have inland ports like Onitsha and Burutu. Some of these ports foreign vessels don’t go there because the draft is low. So the idea here is to have cargoes for those ports. That will open up economic opportunities in those areas.

    “We did some trials last year with Onne. It had some challenges, but again, it was an eye-opener and we are looking at restarting that again this year in collaboration with the shipping lines and baggage operators.”

    On cargo throughput volume, Odibe explained that cargo volumes are now gradually improving as it processed 222,000 TEUs between January and June 2025.

    He added that “Lekki Port currently receives between 10-12 vessels every month. We are picking up because Naira is gradually stabilising.

    “Volumes fell because of Naira depreciation and the removal of fuel subsidy, and this caused a setback in our projection. As of 2023, when we started operations, we did 54,289 TEUs, and as of June of this year, we have done 222,000, and we are projecting 500,000 TEUs.”

    Odibe also stated that the vessel turnaround time at Lekki Port currently stands at 48 hours as against one hour and 25 minutes for truck turnaround time, while cargo dwell time is 16 days.

    Also, the Chief Operating Officer of Lekki Port, Yang Xixiong, said that Lekki Port will continue to raise the bar to international standards.

    “We continue to push the envelope, set the bar higher to uphold our position as West Africa’s deepest sea port.

    “The result of our unrelenting commitment to world-class standards is visible in the gigantic footprints we are putting on the map of maritime trade in Africa, deploying technology, driving operational efficiency, and shaping regional trade,” he said.

    Odibe attributed the shortfall to prevailing economic challenges that have impacted the port’s operations in recent times.

    According to him, the removal of fuel subsidies and the depreciation of the Naira against major foreign currencies have led to a decline in imports.

    He, however, noted that cargo volumes are now gradually improving as it processed 222,000 TEUs between January and June 2025.

    He added that transhipment activities to ports in neighbouring and landlocked countries have similarly increased.

    According to him: “Lekki Port currently receives between 10-12 vessels every month, and Lekki Port transhipment operations have also increased substantially.

    Lekki port, he said, “ is currently doing international transhipment to Togo, Benin Republic, Ghana and Abidjan, and some landlocked countries. We are picking up because the Naira is gradually picking up.

    Volumes, he said, “ fell because of Naira depreciation and the removal of the subsidy, and this caused a setback in our projection. As of 2023, when we started operations, we did 54,289 TEUs, and as of June of this year, we have done 222,000, and we are projecting 500,000 TEUs.”

    According to him, the vessel turnaround time at Lekki Port currently stands 48 hours as against one hour and 25 minutes for truck turnaround time, while cargo dwell time is 16 days.

    Also,, Managing Director Chief of the Port,  Wang Qiang, said that Lekki Port will continue to raise the bar to international standards.

    Wang, who was represented by Chief Operating Officer of the port, Young Qiang said: “We continue to push the envelope, set the bar higher to uphold our position as West Africa’s deepest sea port.

    “The result of our unrelenting commitment to world-class standards is visible in the gigantic footprints we are putting on the map of maritime trade in Africa, deploying technology, driving operational efficiency, and shaping regional trade,” he said.

  • Nigeria steps up diplomatic push for IMO Council seat

    Nigeria steps up diplomatic push for IMO Council seat

    Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has launched a high-level “door-to-door” campaign in London to rally international support for Nigeria’s bid to secure a seat in Category C of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council.

    The campaign, which officially kicked off at the IMO Headquarters on Wednesday June, 18, 2025, marks a significant step in the country’s quest to solidify its voice in global maritime governance.

    Since arriving in London, Oyetola has held a flurry of bilateral meetings with representatives of maritime nations, including Greece, Spain, Oman, Bangladesh, Namibia, Mexico, and Italy, as part of a week-long lobbying effort at the ongoing 134th Session of the IMO Council.

    “Nigeria is not just seeking a seat; we are offering partnership, commitment, and leadership. We come to the IMO table with a strong track record in maritime security, a vast coastline brimming with potential, and a renewed national agenda anchored on collaboration and sustainability,” Oyetola told delegates on the sidelines of the Council session.

    Backed by goodwill messages from President Bola Tinubu, the minister’s diplomatic efforts underscores the nation’s determination to elevate its profile in the global maritime arena. Central to Nigeria’s campaign is its acclaimed success in maritime security, especially the elimination of piracy within its territorial waters and the broader Gulf of Guinea.

    “For three consecutive years, Nigeria has recorded zero incidents of piracy in its waters. Security is the bedrock of maritime prosperity. Our success in this regard demonstrates what is possible when nations take bold, coordinated action,” Oyetola stated.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Gunmen kill a policeman, abduct ASP in Imo

    He also highlighted the country’s readiness to deepen maritime cooperation across areas such as shipbuilding, port modernisation, green shipping, and intra-African trade.

    “Nigeria is ready to work with IMO Member States to strengthen the pillars of global maritime growth. Our goal is to build enduring bridges of cooperation that will outlast election cycles and deliver impact for future generations,” he said.

    The current diplomatic drive follows previous engagements by Oyetola at the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, where he met with leaders of several island nations in furtherance of Nigeria’s IMO aspirations.

    Category C of the IMO Council is reserved for countries with special interests in maritime transport or whose inclusion ensures regional representation. A successful bid would not only amplify Nigeria’s maritime voice but also enhance Africa’s role in shaping international shipping policy.

    Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment, Oyetola added, “We are committed to upholding IMO’s values of safety, security, and environmental responsibility. A vote for Nigeria is a vote for a more inclusive, cooperative and resilient global maritime future.”

  • Lekki Port receives over 12 vessels monthly, targets 500,000 TEUs

    Lekki Port receives over 12 vessels monthly, targets 500,000 TEUs

    The $1.5 billion Lekki Deep Seaport has concluded plans to ramp up operations from 287,000 Twenty-foot Equivalent Units (TEUs) handled in 2024 to 500,000 TEUs by the end of this year 

    Addressing reporters in Lagos on Thursday, the Deputy Managing Director of the Port, Mr. Daniel Odibe, said the Port is still targeting more international transhipment cargos from other West African countries.

    He said out of 1.2 million TEUs capacity, the port is currently handling only about 20 per cent of its projected cargo throughput.

    Odibe attributed the shortfall to prevailing economic challenges that have impacted the port’s operations in recent times.

    According to him, the removal of fuel subsidies and the depreciation of the Naira against major foreign currencies have led to a decline in imports.

    He, however, noted that cargo volumes are now gradually improving as it processed 222,000 TEUs between January and June 2025.

    He added that transhipment activities to ports in neighbouring and landlocked countries have similarly increased.

    According to him, “Lekki Port currently receives between 10-12 vessels every month, and Lekki Port transhipment operations have also increased substantially.

    Lekki port, he said, “is currently doing international transhipment to Togo, Benin Republic, Ghana and Abidjan, and some landlocked countries. We are picking up because the Naira is gradually picking up.

    Volumes, he said, “Fell because of Naira depreciation and the removal of the subsidy, and this caused a setback in our projection. As of 2023, when we started operations, we did 54,289 TEUs, and as of June of this year, we have done 222,000, and we are projecting 500,000 TEUs.”

    According to him, the vessel turnaround time at Lekki Port currently stands 48 hours as against one hour and 25 minutes for truck turnaround time, while cargo dwell time is 16 days.

    Also,, Managing Director Chief of the Port, Wang Qiang, said that Lekki Port will continue to raise the bar to international standards.

    Wang, who was represented by Chief Operating Officer of the port, Young Qiang said: “We continue to push the envelope, set the bar higher to uphold our position as West Africa’s deepest sea port.

    “The result of our unrelenting commitment to world-class standards is visible in the gigantic footprints we are putting on the map of maritime trade in Africa, deploying technology, driving operational efficiency, and shaping regional trade,” he said.

  • NPA bags award from PAC committees at conference on fiscal governance 

    NPA bags award from PAC committees at conference on fiscal governance 

    The Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) has been honoured by the Public Accounts Committees of the Senate and House of Representatives for its unwavering commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and audit compliance.

    The special recognition was conferred during the National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance held in Abuja a high-level forum that convened lawmakers, anti-graft agencies, civil society groups, and public finance experts to explore strategies for strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal architecture.

    In their remarks, the leadership of the two Committees praised the NPA for maintaining high standards of financial reporting and for demonstrating consistent support for public accountability processes.

    READ ALSO; Fed govt to conduct nationwide audit of skills centres

     They described the award as a symbol of institutional integrity, noting that the NPA stood out for its proactive audit compliance and strategic backing of the conference.

    “The Authority’s contributions were pivotal in making this policy dialogue a reality,” the Committees noted, adding that the NPA’s transparency efforts have become a benchmark in the public sector.

    The Managing Director of the NPA, Dr Abubakar Dantosho, received the award on behalf of the agency, affirming its commitment to deepening reforms and entrenching openness in its operations.

    He was represented by the Executive Director Finance and Adminstration, Vivian Richard Edet, who received the award on behalf of the Authority.

  • FG, investors in talks to commit $60m for Nigeria’s first green port

    FG, investors in talks to commit $60m for Nigeria’s first green port

    The federal government is currently in discussions with private investors to secure nearly $60 million in funding to electrify the Onne Port in Rivers State and transform it into Nigeria’s first green port, The Nation has learnt.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this during the ‘Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria Summit’ held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    The summit, organised by the Office of the Vice President, was themed “Unlocking Climate Finance for Sustainable Development” and attracted key policymakers, private sector leaders, and development partners committed to advancing low-carbon infrastructure and green investment across the country.

    In his address, Shettima emphasised that sustainability and productivity must no longer be viewed as mutually exclusive goals. He revealed that the summit was the product of months of strategic consultations, regional engagements, and technical deep dives aimed at charting a path to a greener economy.

    He said, “Onne port, for instance, is already emerging as the template for our quest to breathe life into a robust green economy.

    Discussions, the VP said, “are currently underway with private investors to commit nearly $60 million to electrify the port and transform it into Nigeria’s first green port.”

    APM Terminals joined key industry leaders and government stakeholders at the Decarbonising Infrastructure in Nigeria Summit and presented a white paper on container transport electrification titled:  ‘A pragmatic roadmap to unlock transformational benefits well beyond decarbonisation.’ to Vice President Shettima.

    At the event, APM Terminals underscores Nigeria’s opportunity to leapfrog fossil-powered logistics by electrifying its containerised trade, potentially unlocking $830 million in investments by 2030, creating skilled jobs, reducing 390 ktCO₂e emissions, and improving power reliability and public health.

    With over 40 ports worldwide already embracing electrification and proven success in emerging markets like Kenya and India, Nigeria is well-positioned to follow. Achieving this, however, requires strong public-private collaboration and urgent action on power supply and equipment electrification.

    APM Terminals operates two container terminals in Nigeria – Apapa in Lagos and WACT in Onne – as well as a container depot in Kano, says the CEO of APM Terminals Nigeria, Frederik Klinke:

    “Containerised trade is a vital backbone of economic development in Nigeria, and we view the country as a key growth market. We believe that electrification plays an integral part in bringing operations to the globally most advanced level. This white paper outlines a clear roadmap for how public-private partnerships can unlock electrified and decarbonised operations. From our global experience as a terminal operator, we know that beyond lowering emissions, electrification improves the working environment, reduces air and noise pollution, and delivers tangible benefits to neighbouring communities.”

    “Our findings clearly show that the time to act is now,” says Eveline Speelman, Partner in Systemiq. “Electrification aligns with upcoming investment cycles and can drive progress on key national priorities. With nearly 60% of container terminal concessions approaching renewal, the moment is right to embed electrification into the next wave of logistics infrastructure investment.”

  • Oyetola challenges NIMASA governing board on leadership

    Oyetola challenges NIMASA governing board on leadership

    The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, yesterday, inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Board of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), urging members to provide strategic leadership and ensure the agency fulfills its statutory responsibilities in alignment with national economic objectives.

    The inauguration ceremony, which took place at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, was attended by key maritime stakeholders, directors of NIMASA, senior officials of the ministry, and the Speaker of the Commonwealth State House of Assembly.

    In his address, Oyetola conveyed the greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reiterated the administration’s commitment to the transformation of the Nigerian maritime sector as a critical pillar of the nation’s economic diversification efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

    “The Nigerian coastline, stretching approximately 853 kilometres along the Gulf of Guinea—one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors—offers immense opportunities for shipping, fisheries, coastal tourism, offshore energy, and marine biotechnology.

    The establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by President Tinubu is a bold step aimed at unlocking these potentials through focused leadership and strategic governance,” Oyetola stated.

    READ ALSO; ROLL CALL: Atiku, El-Rufai, Malami, Tambuwal, others attend ADC coalition unveiling

    He emphasised that NIMASA, as one of the flagship agencies under the newly created ministry, holds a central role in the sector’s transformation. He reminded the new board members of their critical oversight function as provided under Section 6 of the NIMASA Act 2007, which mandates the board to formulate policies for the effective administration of the agency and ensure its statutory responsibilities are adequately discharged.

    “Your appointment by Mr. President is not by chance. It is based on trust in your capability to steer one of the nation’s most vital agencies. Your role is to provide strategic direction, guide policy, ask the right questions, and uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and national service,” the minister said.

    He charged the board to avoid micromanaging the day-to-day operations of the agency, in line with President Tinubu’s clear directive that board members must focus on oversight and strategic policy formulation rather than operational interference.

    “I must remind you that your primary responsibility is to provide strategic guidance and not to encroach on the agency’s executive functions. The non-executive nature of the chairperson’s role must be respected to allow the management team to operate effectively while being held to the highest standards of accountability,” Oyetola added.

    He expressed confidence in the leadership of the newly appointed Chairman of the Board, Hamisu Yusuf, urging the board under his guidance to work harmoniously with NIMASA’s management to achieve greater heights.

    In his address, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Oloruntola Olufemi, described the inauguration as a significant step in repositioning NIMASA for enhanced performance. He commended the Minister’s leadership and assured the board of the ministry’s continued support.

    “The establishment of this board is integral to strengthening NIMASA’s governance structure and aligning the agency’s operations with the broader vision of President Tinubu’s administration. We trust in your ability to bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the work ahead,” Olufemi said.

    In his response, the Chairman of the Board, Hamisu Yusuf Abubakar, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in the board members, describing the appointment as both an honour and a national duty.

    “We consider this appointment not just a privilege, but a call to serve with integrity, vision, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda. We are fully aware of the pivotal role NIMASA plays in achieving Nigeria’s economic diversification and harnessing the enormous potential of our blue economy,” Abubakar said.

    The chairman pledged that the board would work collaboratively with NIMASA’s management to entrench a culture of professionalism, transparency, and innovation in the agency. He further assured that the board would provide strategic oversight and policy direction that would strengthen NIMASA’s institutional capacity and drive sustainable growth in the maritime sector.

    “We will work as one team, united by purpose and driven by results, to ensure that the vision of Mr. President for a prosperous and secure maritime domain is fully realised,” Abubakar affirmed.

    He extended gratitude to the Oyetola for his leadership and assured him of the board’s alignment with the ministry’s strategic direction.

  • Oyetola inaugurates NPA governing board, calls for a reform-driven body

    Oyetola inaugurates NPA governing board, calls for a reform-driven body

    The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has officially inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

    The event, which took place at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, yesterday marked a significant milestone in Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to reposition the maritime sector as a driver of national economic development.

    Oyetola described the inauguration as a vital step in strengthening the governance framework of the NPA and aligning it with the broader vision of President Bola Tinubu, to reform and revitalise key government institutions.

    According to him, the move underscores the administration’s firm commitment to institutional reforms aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, boosting transparency, and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy in a manner that is inclusive and sustainable.

    Oyetola noted that the NPA Act assigns critical policy oversight responsibilities to the Governing Board, particularly in areas concerning staffing and budgetary matters. These roles, he said, are executed primarily through the Board’s Staff and Establishment Committee and its Finance Committee.

    READ ALSO: Four things to know about St Lucia as Tinubu visits Caribbean nation

    He however emphasised that the day-to-day management of the Authority remained the exclusive responsibility of the Managing Director and the executive management team. This distinction, he stressed, is vital for operational integrity and is clearly outlined in both the NPA Act and the Public Procurement Act of 2007.

    “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. 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,” the minister said.

    Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated Board, its Chairman, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and the other members of the Board. He extended his appreciation to Oyetola for his unwavering support throughout the nomination and inauguration process, describing the Minister as a pillar of encouragement whose guidance had been instrumental to the success of NPA.

    Adeyeye praised the composition of the Board, highlighting the collective experience and expertise of its members. He also commended the Managing Director and executive management of the Nigerian Ports Authority, as well as the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, for their warm reception and evident willingness to work collaboratively with the new Board.

    The Chairman affirmed the Board’s determination to work in close harmony with the NPA’s management and the Ministry to ensure a successful and impactful tenure. He emphasised the importance of unity and cooperation, describing the Minister as the head of the family under whose leadership the Board would function with a spirit of shared purpose and without discord.

    The NPA Board members include Senator Adedayo Adeyeye (Chairman), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho (Managing Director), Hon. Olabanji Olawale Olateju (Member), Hon. Amirudin Tukur Idris (Member), Barr. Kelechi Igwe (Member), Ekpebide Ebi-Erin Daniel (Member) and Dr. Mercy Ilori (member), representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy. The others are Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar (Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services), Engr. Olalekan Badmus (Executive Director, Marine and Operations) and Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet (Executive Director, Finance and Administration.