Oyetola Inaugurates New NPA Board, Stresses Clear Governance Boundaries
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has formally inaugurated the newly reconstituted Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to revitalising the maritime sector as a cornerstone of economic development.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Monday at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, was described as a crucial milestone in the administration’s broader agenda to strengthen institutional governance across key parastatals.
According to a statement issued by Dr Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Oyetola said the reconstitution of the Board represents a strategic move to bolster policy oversight and institutional integrity within the NPA. He linked the development to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s wider reform agenda focused on trade facilitation, transparency, and the sustainable growth of Nigeria’s blue economy.
The Minister underscored the statutory role of the Governing Board as outlined in the Nigerian Ports Authority Act, noting that its remit primarily covers staffing, financial oversight, and strategic direction, to be executed through its Staff and Establishment Committee and Finance Committee.
However, he made clear that operational control remains exclusively with the NPA’s Managing Director and executive management team. He referenced Section 10(3) of the NPA Act and the Public Procurement Act of 2007 to reinforce the legal boundary between governance and management.
“It is essential to reaffirm that the day-to-day running of the Authority and the implementation of policy decisions rest squarely with the Managing Director and Management Team,” Oyetola stated. “These roles must remain distinct, as prescribed by law, to preserve operational integrity and effectiveness.”
He called on the new Board to deliver their responsibilities with focus and dedication to national interest, while urging the NPA’s executive team to engage with the Board in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect.
“To the Management of the Nigerian Ports Authority, I encourage constructive engagement with the Board, rooted in professionalism, transparency, and shared accountability. Institutional harmony is fundamental to achieving our national objectives,” he said.
Turning to the newly appointed Board members, Oyetola added, “I congratulate you all. Approach this task with discipline and purpose. Your work is vital to building a globally competitive and efficient port system that supports our economic transformation.”
Responding on behalf of the Board, Chairman Senator Adedayo Adeyeye expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust placed in the appointees and commended Minister Oyetola for his guidance and consistent support.
He praised the calibre of the Board’s membership, noting their broad expertise and commitment to service. He also acknowledged the warm reception from the NPA’s leadership and staff, expressing optimism about future collaboration.
“We are committed to working in full alignment with the NPA management and the Ministry. Our success depends on unity and shared purpose, and we are determined to function as a cohesive team under the Honourable Minister’s leadership,” Adeyeye said.
The newly inaugurated Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority comprises:
Senator Adedayo Adeyeye (Chairman); Dr Abubakar Dantsoho (Managing Director); Hon. Olabanji Olawale Olateju (Member); Hon. Amirudin Tukur Idris (Member); Barr. Kelechi Igwe (Member); Ekpebide Ebi-Erin Daniel (Member); Dr Mercy Ilori (Member, representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy); Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar (Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services); Engr. Olalekan Badmus (Executive Director, Marine and Operations); Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet (Executive Director, Finance and Administration).
The board is expected to drive forward reforms that will reinforce Nigeria’s position as a key maritime hub in the West African region.