The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, formally inaugurated the Governing Boards of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA). The dual inauguration ceremony took place at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja.
A statement issued by Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, described the occasion as a key milestone in the Tinubu administration’s efforts to reposition Nigeria’s maritime sector for national growth and sustainability.
Advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda
In his remarks, Minister Oyetola said the inauguration went beyond fulfilling constitutional protocol; it was a critical step in consolidating the institutional framework required to drive Nigeria’s marine and blue economy in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. He reaffirmed the President’s commitment to unlocking the vast economic, environmental, and developmental potential within Nigeria’s maritime domain.
Oyetola highlighted Nigeria’s strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea and its expansive 850-kilometre coastline, which positions the country to benefit from key sectors such as shipping, fisheries, offshore energy, marine biotechnology, and coastal tourism. He recalled that it was in recognition of these opportunities that President Tinubu created the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy in 2023 to provide focused leadership and regulation of Nigeria’s ocean-based economy.
L-R: Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola; Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON; Chairman, Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Hon. Musa Sarki Adar and the Managing Director of NIWA, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, when Oyetola inaugurated the NIWA Governing Board in Abuja on Wednesday 2nd July 2025.
Inauguration of the NIMASA Board
Addressing the newly constituted NIMASA Board, the Minister outlined the Agency’s core mandates, including maritime safety, labour regulation, environmental protection, and capacity building. He emphasized that the Board’s role is to offer strategic policy guidance and provide oversight without interfering in the agency’s day-to-day operations.
Oyetola reiterated the President’s directive that governing boards serve a non-executive and policy-focused function, urging members to act in the national interest with integrity, professionalism, and transparency.
The NIMASA Board is chaired by Yusuf Abubakar and includes members such as:
- Babatunde Bombata (Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy)
- Emmanuel Nosakhare Igbinosun
- Rear Admiral P.C. Nwatu (Nigerian Navy)
- Arc. Yinusa Yakubu
- Fedelis Lorkoso Agbir
- Iroghama Blessing Ogbeifun
- Dr. Dayo Mobereola (Director General)
Executive Directors include:
- Hon. Chudi Offodile (Finance and Administration)
- Engr. Fatai Taye Adeyemi (Operations)
- Mr. Jibril Abba (Maritime Labour and Cabotage Services)
Responding on behalf of the Board, Chairman Yusuf Abubakar thanked President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and described the appointment as a call to national duty. He also commended Minister Oyetola for his leadership and pledged the Board’s commitment to work with NIMASA’s management to uphold transparency, innovation, and professionalism in delivering on the agency’s mandate.
Inauguration of the NIWA Board
Also inaugurated was the Governing Board of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), which the Minister described as a vital component of Nigeria’s maritime and transport infrastructure.
He charged the NIWA Board to provide strategic policy oversight in line with the NIWA Act, while allowing the Managing Director and management team to handle operational responsibilities. The Minister underscored the importance of adhering to the Public Service Rules and the Public Procurement Act, which delineate the boundaries between governance and administration.
He urged the Board to uphold discipline, professionalism, and respect for institutional roles, always guided by the broader objective of national development.
Speaking on behalf of the NIWA Board, Chairman Hon. Musa Sarki Adar expressed gratitude to President Tinubu for the trust placed in them. He commended Minister Oyetola’s leadership and pledged the Board’s commitment to support NIWA’s mission of enhancing inland waterways transport and fostering regional economic integration.
Minister Reaffirms Ministry’s Support
Concluding the double inauguration, Minister Oyetola expressed confidence in the capability of both Boards to discharge their duties diligently. He assured them of the Ministry’s support and reminded members of the important responsibility ahead, urging them to seize the opportunity to make a lasting impact in the maritime sector.
He wished all the board members a successful tenure marked by clarity of purpose and dedication to the service of the nation.
