The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday officially inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), charging the members to uphold discipline, transparency, and reform-oriented governance in line with the administration’s economic transformation agenda.
The Nigerian Ports Authority Governing Board inauguration, which held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja on June 30, 2025, signaled a renewed drive by the Federal Government to revamp the maritime sector as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economic development.
In his remarks, Oyetola described the NPA Board’s inauguration as a key step toward strengthening institutional governance and aligning the Authority with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places premium on efficient service delivery, transparency, and inclusive economic growth.
“This inauguration is part of a broader institutional reform to reposition the Nigerian Ports Authority for optimal performance. The Board is expected to bring oversight and policy guidance, especially in areas of staffing and finance, through the Staff and Establishment Committee and Finance Committee, as stipulated in the NPA Act,” the minister stated.
Oyetola emphasized, however, that operational control of the NPA remains under the purview of the Managing Director and executive management. Quoting Section 10(3) of the NPA Act and relevant provisions of the Public Procurement Act (2007), he cautioned against role encroachment that could hinder operational efficiency.
“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.”
The minister further charged the Board to act as reform enablers and support the management in delivering on their mandate of developing a globally competitive port system. He urged both parties to maintain professionalism, mutual respect, and institutional harmony in pursuit of national interest.
“To the Board, I charge you to exhibit discipline, patriotism, and strategic foresight. Your role is pivotal to Nigeria’s port modernization and to the transformation of the marine and blue economy into a major GDP contributor,” Oyetola added.
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Responding on behalf of the new Board, Chairman Senator Adedayo Adeyeye expressed deep appreciation to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in the appointees. He also thanked Minister Oyetola for his leadership and guidance during the nomination and inauguration process.
Adeyeye assured that the Board would work closely with the NPA management and the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy to deliver meaningful reforms and improvements in port operations across the country.
“We recognise the weight of responsibility placed on us and are committed to working harmoniously with all stakeholders,” Adeyeye said. “Under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, who we consider as the head of our family, we will pursue shared goals without rancour.”
He praised the diversity and experience within the newly constituted Board and affirmed their readiness to contribute to the country’s maritime transformation goals.
The members of the newly inaugurated NPA Board include:
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 (Representative, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy)
Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar – Executive Director, Engineering & Technical Services
Engr. Olalekan Badmus – Executive Director, Marine & Operations
Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet – Executive Director, Finance & Administration
The composition reflects a blend of legislative, technical, legal, and administrative expertise, with a clear mandate to drive institutional efficiency and reform.