Photo Caption
Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON (front row, middle); Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola (3rd left); Chairman of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Board, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye (3rd right); Managing Director of NPA, Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho (left) and other Board Members when Oyetola inaugurated the NPA Board in Abuja, on Monday
By Ignatius Ushie
The Hon. Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, has officially inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).
The event, which took place at the Ministry’s Conference Room in Abuja, on Monday 30th June 2025, marks a significant milestone in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to reposition the maritime sector as a driver of national economic development.
In his address, the Minister described the inauguration as a vital step in strengthening the governance framework of the NPA and aligning it with the broader vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to reform and revitalise key government institutions.
According to the Minister, the move underscores the administration’s firm commitment to institutional reforms aimed at enhancing trade facilitation, boosting transparency, and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy in a manner that is inclusive and sustainable.
The Minister noted that the Nigerian Ports Authority Act assigns critical policy oversight responsibilities to the Governing Board, particularly in areas concerning staffing and budgetary matters. These roles, he said, are executed primarily through the Board’s Staff and Establishment Committee and its Finance Committee. Oyetola, however, emphasised that the day-to-day management of the Authority remains the exclusive responsibility of the Managing Director and the executive management team. This distinction, he stressed, is vital for operational integrity and is clearly outlined in both the NPA Act and the Public Procurement Act of 2007.
According to him, “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. This is clearly stipulated in Section 10(3) of the NPA Act and further reinforced by the provisions of the Public Procurement Act, 2007. Clear boundaries between governance and management must be maintained for operational integrity and efficiency.
“The Board is to provide policy direction and supervision in line with government directives but must not interfere with routine management or operational execution”.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inaugurated Board, the Chairman, Senator Adedayo Adeyeye, expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the confidence reposed in him and the other members of the Board.
The NPA Board members 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) and Dr. Mercy Ilori (member), representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.
The others are Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar (Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services), Engr. Olalekan Badmus (Executive Director, Marine and Operations) and Ms. Vivian C. Richard Edet (Executive Director, Finance and Administration).
