Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Wednesday inaugurated the Governing Boards of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), describing the step as “a significant milestone” in the Tinubu administration’s push to reposition the maritime sector.
This was contained press statement signed by Special Adviser, Media and Communications, to the Minister, Dr. Bolaji Akinola.
“This exercise represents not merely a routine constitutional process, but a vital step in consolidating the structures that will drive the marine and blue economy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda,” Oyetola said during the dual ceremony held at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja.
Highlighting Nigeria’s strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea and its 850-kilometre coastline, Oyetola noted the country’s vast maritime potential in shipping, fisheries, offshore energy and coastal tourism.
He reminded the newly appointed NIMASA Board members, chaired by Yusuf Abubakar, that their core mandate is to provide policy direction and oversight without interfering in day-to-day operations.
“Your role is strictly non-executive and policy-focused,” he stressed, urging them to act “with integrity, professionalism, and transparency.”
In his remarks, the new NIMASA Board Chairman, Yusuf Abubakar, thanked President Tinubu for the “privilege and call to national duty,” assuring the Minister of the Board’s commitment to work closely with the Agency’s management.
“We will foster transparency, innovation and professionalism in line with the strategic vision of the Federal Government,” Abubakar said.
The Minister also inaugurated the NIWA Board led by Hon. Musa Sarki Adar, describing the Authority as “another critical pillar in Nigeria’s maritime and transport architecture.”
Oyetola reminded the Board to respect the NIWA Act and maintain clear boundaries between
governance and management.
On behalf of the NIWA Board, Adar pledged to “give our best in the service of the nation” and promised collaboration with management to strengthen inland waterways transportation.
