Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has inaugurated the newly reconstituted Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), charging its members to embrace reform-driven governance in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The inauguration, held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja on Monday, is seen as a significant step toward repositioning the maritime sector as a cornerstone of national economic growth.
In his remarks, Oyetola emphasized that the new Board must play its statutory oversight role with professionalism and discipline, ensuring its contributions align with the administration’s drive for institutional reform, improved trade facilitation, and a more transparent port system.
“This inauguration marks a vital milestone in our efforts to strengthen the governance framework of the NPA,” the Minister stated. “We must maintain clear boundaries between governance and day-to-day management as stipulated in Section 10(3) of the NPA Act and the Public Procurement Act of 2007.”
He reiterated that while the Board holds responsibilities in staffing and budgetary oversight through its committees, the operational management of the NPA lies strictly with the Managing Director and the executive team. He urged both the Board and Management to work collaboratively to foster institutional harmony, transparency, and national service.
“To the Board, your role is pivotal in ensuring our ports meet global standards and play a central role in Nigeria’s economic transformation. To Management, I urge constructive engagement with the Board based on mutual respect and a shared sense of duty,” Oyetola added.
Responding on behalf of the new Board, Chairman Senator Adedayo Adeyeye thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and lauded Minister Oyetola for his support and leadership. He assured the government and stakeholders of the Board’s commitment to unity, effective oversight, and collaboration with the NPA management and the Ministry.
“We are determined to work harmoniously and uphold the Minister’s vision of a modern, efficient, and competitive port system. Under your leadership, we will pursue our duties with a shared purpose and a deep commitment to national progress,” Adeyeye said.
The newly inaugurated NPA Governing Board includes:
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 – Ministry representative)
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)