The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, on Monday officially inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), marking a major step in the federal government’s ongoing efforts to reposition the maritime sector as a key pillar of national economic development.
The inauguration, held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja on June 30, 2025, brought together top government officials and maritime stakeholders. The Minister used the occasion to reaffirm the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to institutional reform, trade facilitation, transparency, and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.
In his remarks, Oyetola described the NPA Board inauguration as critical to enhancing governance and aligning the Authority’s operations with global best practices. He outlined the statutory oversight responsibilities of the Board, particularly in areas such as staffing and financial policy, as enshrined in the NPA Act and the Public Procurement Act of 2007.
However, the Minister stressed that while the Board provides policy direction and supervisory oversight, it must not interfere in the daily operations of the Authority, which remain under the purview of the Managing Director and the executive management.
“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. Clear boundaries between governance and management must be maintained for operational integrity and efficiency,” Oyetola stated.
He urged both the Board and Management of the NPA to work together with mutual respect and professionalism, noting that institutional harmony is essential to delivering on national objectives.
“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,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the new Board, Chairman Senator Adedayo Adeyeye expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and thanked Minister Oyetola for his steadfast guidance throughout the nomination and inauguration process. He described the Minister as a pillar of support and commended the experience and professionalism of both the Board and NPA management.
Senator Adeyeye assured that the Board would operate with unity, cooperation, and shared responsibility, and pledged to work harmoniously with the NPA executive team and the Ministry to ensure an impactful tenure.
The newly inaugurated members of the NPA Governing Board include Senator Adedayo Adeyeye (Chairman), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho (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. 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).
The ceremony concluded with a renewed pledge from all parties to uphold professionalism and prioritize national interest in their collective drive to transform Nigeria’s maritime landscape.