The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday, inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Board of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), reaffirming the Federal Government’s resolve to reposition the maritime sector as a cornerstone of economic development.

In Abuja, Oyetola charged the members on a strategic step in advancing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s reform agenda, particularly in aligning key institutions with global standards in governance, transparency, and service delivery.

Oyetola underscored the importance of the Board’s role in strengthening the NPA’s policy framework, stating that its responsibilities — especially in staffing and budgeting — are central to fostering efficiency and professionalism in port operations.

“The Nigerian Ports Authority Act clearly defines the board’s oversight functions, particularly through its Staff and Establishment Committee and the Finance Committee,” the Minister said.

“However, the day-to-day administration remains the exclusive domain of the Managing Director and the executive management team, as stipulated in Section 10(3) of the NPA Act and reinforced by the Public Procurement Act of 2007.”

He urged the board to focus on strategic oversight without encroaching on operational matters, emphasising the need for clearly defined boundaries between governance and management to safeguard institutional integrity.

“To the Management of the NPA, I urge constructive engagement with the board — one rooted in mutual respect, professionalism, and national interest. And to the Board members, I congratulate you and charge you to approach this assignment with discipline, focus, and commitment to building a globally competitive port system,” he added.

Responding on behalf of the board, Chairman Senator Adedayo Adeyeye expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the opportunity to serve and thanked Minister Oyetola for his support throughout the nomination and inauguration process.

Describing the Minister as “a pillar of encouragement,” Adeyeye praised the board’s composition, noting the diversity of experience and expertise among its members.

He pledged the Board’s full cooperation with the NPA management and the Ministry to ensure an impactful tenure marked by unity and shared purpose.

“Our success will be anchored on collaboration and a common vision,” he said. “Under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, we will work as one family to achieve our national objectives.”

Dr. Bolaji Akinola, Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications, in a statement, named the members of the NPA Governing Board, which includes Senator Adedayo Adeyeye (Chairman), Dr. Abubakar Dantsoho (Managing Director), Hon. Olabanji Olawale Olateju, Hon. Amirudin Tukur Idris, and Barr. Kelechi Igwe, Ekpebide Ebi-Erin Daniel, and Dr. Mercy Ilori, who represents the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy.

Other members 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).