President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has cautioned the newly inaugurated Governing Board of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety (NIMASA) against interfering with the day-to-day running of the agency.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, re-echoed the President’s warning on Wednesday at the inauguration of the Governing Board of NIMASA in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
He said the primary role of the Governing Board is to provide strategic oversight and not micromanage the agency.
“To echo the clear directive of Mr President to all Governing Boards: Your primary responsibility is to provide oversight and strategic direction, not to micromanage. The President has emphasised the non-executive nature of the roles of Governing Boards and cautioned against interference in the day-to-day management of the agency. It is important that this directive guides your conduct in the discharge of your duties,” said the Minister.
Mr Oyetola noted that inaugurating the governing board represents a renewed opportunity to steer the agency in a direction that aligns with national aspirations, and their activities should be in the interest of the nation.
“President Tinubu recognises the potential in the sector and is committed to transforming the sector by harnessing its potential.
President Tinubu’s ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ recognises the enormous potential of our marine resources, not only as sources of revenue but also as pillars of economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and national security.
Indeed, with a coastline stretching 850 kilometres and Nigeria’s location along the Gulf of Guinea — one of the most strategic maritime corridors in the world — we are well positioned to harness significant economic opportunities from shipping, fisheries, coastal tourism, offshore energy, and marine biotechnology.
Your duties as members of the Governing Board of NIMASA are, therefore, enormous. Section 6 of the NIMASA Act vests in the Governing Board the power to formulate policies for the administration of the agency and to provide general oversight for the effective discharge of its statutory functions,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the governing board of NIMASA, the Chairman, Mr Yusuf Abubakar, described the appointment as not just a privilege but a call to national duty.
He reiterated the board’s commitment to working in line with President Tinubu’s plan for the maritime sector, harnessing its potential to achieve the desired goals.
The NIMASA Board is chaired by Yusuf Abubakar. Other members include Babatunde Bombata, representing the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy; Emmanuel Nosakhare Igbinosun; Rear Admiral P.C. Nwatu, representing the Nigerian Navy; Arc. Yinusa Yakubu; Fedelis Lorkoso Agbir; Iroghama Blessing Ogbeifun; and Dr Dayo Mobereola, the Director General.
Other members of the board include Hon. Chudi Offodile, Executive Director, Finance and Administration; Engr Fatai Taye Adeyemi, Executive Director, Operations; and Mr Jibril Abba, Executive Director, Maritime Labour and Cabotage Service.