Oyetola inaugurates NPA governing board, seeks members’ cooperation

Adegboyega Oyetola, the minister of marine and blue economy, has inaugurated the newly constituted governing board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

The inauguration ceremony took place on Monday at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

According to a statement on Monday, the event marks a significant milestone in the federal government’s ongoing efforts to reposition the maritime sector as a driver of national economic development.

Speaking at the event, Oyetola described the inauguration as a crucial step in strengthening the NPA’s governance framework in line with President Bola Tinubu’s agenda to reform key government institutions.

The minister said the move reflects the administration’s commitment to institutional reforms designed to improve trade facilitation, boost transparency, and harness the full potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy in an inclusive and sustainable way.

‘CLEAR BOUNDARIES MUST BE MAINTAINED FOR EFFICIENCY’

He noted that the NPA Act assigns critical policy oversight responsibilities to the governing board, particularly in areas concerning staffing and budgetary matters.

The roles, Oyetola said, are executed primarily through the board’s staff and establishment committee and its finance committee.

However, he stressed that operational management of the authority remains the sole responsibility of the managing director and executive management, as stipulated by the NPA Act and the Public Procurement Act, 2007.

“Clear boundaries between governance and management must be maintained for operational integrity and efficiency,” the minister said.

“The board is to provide policy direction and supervision in line with government directives but must not interfere with routine management or operational execution.

“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.”

In his remarks, Adedayo Adeyeye, chairman of the newly inaugurated board, thanked Tinubu for the appointment and expressed appreciation to the minister for his support.

He praised the board’s composition and pledged to work closely with the NPA management and the ministry to ensure a successful and impactful tenure.

The newly inaugurated NPA board members include Adeyeye (chairman), Abubakar Dantsoho (managing director), Olabanji Olawale Olateju (member), Amirudin Tukur Idris (member), Kelechi Igwe (member), Ekpebide Ebi-Erin Daniel (member) and Mercy Ilori (member), representing the federal ministry of marine and blue economy.

Others are Ibrahim Abba Umar, executive director of engineering and technical services; Olalekan Badmus, executive director of marine and operations; and Vivian Richard Edet, executive director of finance and administration.