After 16 Years, Regional Maritime Bank Takes Off

The federal government  has announced the appointment of Adeniran Aderogba, as the first president and chief executive officer of the long-awaited Regional Maritime Development Bank (RMDB).

The minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who made this known, said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has given approval for the take off of the project that has been in the works since 2009, when member states of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) first approved the establishment of the bank.

Oyetola, said the long delay in operationalising the institution is now over, with President Tinubu breaking yet another jinx and giving a much-needed boost to the regional maritime sector.

“This is a moment of great significance for Nigeria and the entire West and Central African sub-region,” said the minister.

“After 16 years of waiting, the Regional Maritime Development Bank is finally taking off, thanks to the decisive leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. His approval not only breaks a longstanding deadlock but also reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration, maritime development, and economic cooperation.”

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The Regional Maritime Development Bank is envisioned as a dedicated financial institution that will provide long-term funding solutions for port infrastructure, fleet acquisition, shipping logistics, and intermodal transport systems. It is a cornerstone initiative aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises infrastructure development, inclusive economic growth, and regional partnership.

The minister said Aderogba brings over three decades of strategic experience in maritime administration, finance, and investment.

“His appointment is a bold and competent choice that will steer the bank from conception to impact,” he said.

Aderogba’s extensive career spans the public and private sectors. He previously served as executive director, Finance and Administration at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and was later appointed acting director general of the agency. In the financial sector, he held senior leadership roles at First Atlantic Bank Plc and MBC International Bank Ltd, where he oversaw investment banking and structured trade finance.

He is also the founder of CLG Securities Limited, a financial advisory and investment services firm. Over his career, he has led transactions exceeding US$5 billion across diverse sectors, including landmark deals recognized internationally. Mr. Aderogba also began his career with KPMG, where he gained foundational experience in auditing and financial consulting.

A respected thought leader in financial markets, Aderogba has contributed significantly to Nigeria’s financial infrastructure, helping to introduce critical instruments such as the Nigerian Inter-Bank Offered Rate (NIBOR) and the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Fixing (NiFEX). He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), a graduate of the University of Lagos, and currently serves on the advisory board of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council.

“The appointment of  Aderogba and the operationalization of the RMDB will catalyze development, boost trade, and unlock funding for critical maritime infrastructure,” the Minister stated. “This achievement is yet another testament to President Tinubu’s unwavering resolve to deliver on long-standing commitments and drive transformative change across the region.”

Aderogba’s appointment has been duly communicated to him through the office of the director, Maritime Safety and Security, Babatunde Bombata.

With Nigeria as the host nation and a seasoned professional at the helm, the Regional Maritime Development Bank is now poised to become a powerful engine for regional growth, connectivity, and prosperity