Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola has formally inaugurated the Governing Boards of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), in a dual ceremony held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja.
Speaking at the event, Oyetola described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the ongoing effort by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to reposition the maritime sector for maximum national impact.
He said the exercise represented not merely a routine constitutional process, but a vital step in consolidating the structures that will drive the marine and blue economy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The minister reaffirmed President Tinubu’s commitment to unlocking the immense potential of Nigeria’s maritime domain for economic growth, environmental sustainability, and national development.
The minister highlighted Nigeria’s strategic maritime position along the Gulf of Guinea and an expansive 850-kilometre coastline, noting the country’s potential to benefit substantially from activities such as shipping, fisheries, marine biotechnology, offshore energy and coastal tourism.
Addressing the newly appointed members of the NIMASA Board, the minister outlined the critical mandate of the agency, which includes maritime safety, labour regulation, marine environmental protection and capacity development.
He emphasised that the Board’s role is to formulate policies and provide oversight for the agency’s operations, without interfering in its day-to-day management.
The NIMASA Board is chaired by Yusuf Abubakar. Other members include Babatunde Bombata representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, 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 Director General. Other members of the Board include 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.
In his response on behalf of the Board, the chairman, Yusuf Abubakar, expressed deep appreciation to Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and described the appointment as not just a privilege, but a call to national duty.
