Peter Jatau, Abuja, Nigeria – June 30, 2025
The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, on Monday officially inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), urging its members to prioritize reform-driven governance and align with the Federal Government’s vision of economic revitalization through the maritime sector.
The inauguration, which took place at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, marked a major milestone in the government’s broader agenda to reposition the marine and blue economy as a central pillar of national development. Speaking at the event, Minister Oyetola emphasized the importance of the board’s policy oversight function while maintaining a clear boundary between governance and management operations.
“This inauguration is a crucial step in strengthening the governance framework of the NPA,” the Minister said, “and is in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision to reform and revitalise key institutions. Our focus is on enhancing trade facilitation, promoting transparency, and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s maritime resources.”
Oyetola clarified the board’s statutory functions, particularly in areas such as staffing and budget oversight through the Staff and Establishment Committee and the Finance Committee. However, he stressed that the operational management of the NPA remains solely within the purview of the Managing Director and the executive management, as mandated by Section 10(3) of the NPA Act and supported by the Public Procurement Act of 2007.
“The Board must provide strategic direction and policy supervision, but it should not interfere with daily operations. Institutional harmony is key to efficiency,” he stated.
He urged both the Board and NPA management to work collaboratively, fostering professionalism, transparency, and mutual respect in pursuit of national service.
In his remarks on behalf of the Board, Chairman Senator Adedayo Adeyeye expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in the newly appointed members, and lauded Minister Oyetola for his guidance and leadership.
“We are grateful for this opportunity to serve,” Adeyeye said. “The composition of this Board reflects a wealth of experience and competence, and we are committed to working closely with the NPA management and the Ministry to build a globally competitive port system that drives Nigeria’s economic transformation.”
He described Minister Oyetola as “the head of the family” under whose leadership the Board would operate harmoniously and purposefully.
The newly inaugurated members of the NPA Governing 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 (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 event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry and NPA, who pledged their support for the newly constituted Board as it embarks on its mission to enhance Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure and services.
