The Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, His Excellency Adegboyega Oyetola, CON, on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, inaugurated the Governing Boards of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) at a ceremony held in Abuja.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Dr. Bolaji Akinola, the Minister described the event as a strategic milestone in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s efforts to reposition Nigeria’s maritime sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He emphasized that the inauguration was not just procedural but a vital step toward harnessing the country’s marine and blue economy for sustainable development.
Highlighting Nigeria’s 850-kilometre coastline and strategic location along the Gulf of Guinea, Oyetola noted the nation’s potential in shipping, fisheries, offshore energy, marine biotechnology, and coastal tourism. He reiterated President Tinubu’s commitment to unlocking these opportunities through focused leadership and institutional reform.
NIMASA Board
The Minister charged the newly inaugurated NIMASA Board to uphold its mandate of maritime safety, labour regulation, environmental protection, and capacity development. He stressed that the Board’s role is strictly non-executive, focused on policy formulation and oversight, not day-to-day management.
Yusuf Abubakar was inaugurated as Chairman, alongside members:
– Babatunde Bombata (Ministry representative)
– Emmanuel Nosakhare Igbinosun
– Rear Admiral P.C. Nwatu (Nigerian Navy)
– Arc. Yinusa Yakubu
– Fedelis Lorkoso Agbir
– Iroghama Blessing Ogbeifun
– Dr. Dayo Mobereola (Director General)
– Hon. Chudi Offodile (Executive Director, Finance & Admin)
– Engr. Fatai Taye Adeyemi (Executive Director, Operations)
– Mr. Jibril Abba (Executive Director, Maritime Labour & Cabotage)
In his remarks, Chairman Yusuf Abubakar thanked President Tinubu and Minister Oyetola, pledging the Board’s commitment to transparency, professionalism, and alignment with national goals.
NIWA Board
Minister Oyetola also inaugurated the NIWA Board, describing it as essential to Nigeria’s inland waterway infrastructure and regional economic integration. He reminded members of their strategic policy role under the NIWA Act and urged discipline and respect for institutional boundaries.
Hon. Musa Sarki Adar was appointed Chairman, with members:
– Mr. Bola Oyebamiji (Managing Director)
– Mr. Hussaini Shettima
– Mr. Jeminiwa Adewale Charles
– Dr. Ndidi Jenifer Ozegbe
– Engr. Prof. Sadiq Z. Abubakar
– Surv. Kunle Olugbemiro
– Capt. Tajudeen Alao
– Mr. Dele Kelvin Oye
– Capt. Jerome Angwunwe
– Hon. Hoplyn Euore Ayu
Chairman Adar expressed gratitude and pledged the Board’s dedication to enhancing inland waterway transport and economic connectivity.
In closing, Minister Oyetola reaffirmed the Ministry’s support and urged both Boards to serve with integrity, clarity of purpose, and a deep commitment to national development.