By Comfort Olayinka
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, has charged the newly inaugurated Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to work in synergy with the Authority’s management to consolidate ongoing reforms aimed at transforming Nigeria’s maritime sector into a hub of economic prosperity.
Speaking during the official inauguration held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, Oyetola described the event as a strategic milestone in the Federal Government’s broader plan to reposition the maritime industry as a catalyst for national development.
He stressed the need for institutional harmony, professionalism, and clear boundaries between the governance role of the Board and the executive duties of the NPA Management. Citing Section 10(3) of the NPA Act and the Public Procurement Act of 2007, the Minister reaffirmed that operational decisions remain the sole responsibility of the Managing Director and the executive team.
“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,” he said. “Clear boundaries between governance and management must be maintained for operational integrity and efficiency.”
“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”.
Oyetola also called for transparency, shared responsibility, and unwavering national service from both the Board and Management. He urged Board members to be guided by discipline, focus, and national interest in their oversight functions, noting their crucial role in building a globally competitive port system.
Chairman of the new NPA Board, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in the Board members, and thanked the Minister for his leadership and encouragement throughout the nomination process.
He affirmed the Board’s commitment to working harmoniously with the NPA Management and the Ministry, describing Oyetola as “the head of the family,” under whom the Board would operate with unity and shared purpose.
The newly constituted NPA Board comprises Senator Adedayo Adeyeye (Chairman), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho (Managing Director), and members including Hon. Olabanji Olawale Olateju, Hon. Amirudin Tukur Idris, Barr. Kelechi Igwe, Ekpebide Ebi-Erin Daniel, and Dr. Mercy Ilori, representing the Ministry.
Also on the Board are key executive directors: Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar (Engineering and Technical Services), Engr. Olalekan Badmus (Marine and Operations), and Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet (Finance and Administration).
