The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, has formally inaugurated the Governing Boards of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), charging members to uphold professionalism, transparency, and the national interest in the discharge of their duties.
The dual inauguration ceremony, which took place on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, marked what the Minister described as a key milestone in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ongoing efforts to reposition the maritime sector as a driver of economic transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Oyetola, the appointments were not just procedural, but strategic steps toward consolidating the leadership structures required to grow Nigeria’s marine and blue economy. He stressed that the country’s strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea and its vast 850-kilometre coastline offers immense opportunities in shipping, marine biotechnology, coastal tourism, and offshore energy.
Highlighting the non-executive role of the Boards, the Minister tasked members of the NIMASA Board with the responsibility of offering policy direction and oversight without interfering in the day-to-day administration of the agency. He emphasized the need for the members to operate with integrity, discipline, and a clear understanding of institutional boundaries.
The newly inaugurated NIMASA Board is chaired by Yusuf Abubakar. Other members include Babatunde Bombata representing the Ministry, Emmanuel Nosakhare Igbinosun, Rear Admiral P.C. Nwatu representing the Nigerian Navy, Arc. Yinusa Yakubu, Fedelis Lorkoso Agbir, Iroghama Blessing Ogbeifun, and Dr. Dayo Mobereola, the agency’s Director General. Also on the Board are Hon. Chudi Offodile, Executive Director, Finance and Administration; Engr. Fatai Taye Adeyemi, Executive Director, Operations; and Mr. Jibril Abba, Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Service.
Speaking on behalf of the Board, Chairman Yusuf Abubakar thanked President Tinubu and Minister Oyetola for the trust placed in them. He pledged that the Board would work closely with the management of NIMASA to advance transparency, innovation, and efficiency in line with national objectives.
In a similar vein, the Minister also inaugurated the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), describing it as a critical pillar in Nigeria’s transportation and economic integration framework. He reminded members that their role was strictly policy-based, in accordance with the NIWA Act and public service regulations.
The NIWA Board is chaired by Hon. Musa Sarki Adar, with Bola Oyebamiji as Managing Director. Other members include Hussaini Shettima, Jeminiwa Adewale Charles, Dr. Ndidi Jenifer Ozegbe, Engr. Prof. Sadiq Z. Abubakar, Surv. Kunle Olugbemiro, Capt. Tajudeen Alao, Mr. Dele Kelvin Oye, Capt. Jerome Angwunwe, and Hon. Hoplyn Euore Ayu.
In his remarks, Hon. Adar thanked the President for the appointment and assured the Minister of the Board’s readiness to work in harmony with the management of NIWA. He promised that the Board would deliver on its mandate to enhance water transport and regional economic connectivity.
Minister Oyetola concluded the ceremony by affirming the Ministry’s support for both Boards and expressed confidence in their ability to deliver lasting impact. He urged them to remain focused, disciplined, and committed to the overarching goal of national development through a thriving maritime sector.