President Bola Tinubu has appointed Yusuf Hamisu Abubakar as the Chairman of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).
This decision reflects the president’s commitment to revitalising Nigeria’s maritime sector, a key driver of economic prosperity.
The announcement was contained in a press release signed by presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga.
Abubakar, who is a lawyer, is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. He has held leadership positions across multiple industries, including insurance, power and telecommunications. He chaired the Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company from 2014 to 2022 and served as a Director at the Kano Electricity Distribution Company from 2013 to 2021.
Additionally, he was a non-executive Commissioner on the board of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) between 2011 and 2016 and the Executive Secretary of the Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) from 2000 to 2005.
Born and raised in Kaduna State, Abubakar’s journey is marked by resilience and excellence. After obtaining his law degree from Bayero University Kano, he built a reputation as a legal luminary. He holds an MBA in financial management from the UK-based University of Exeter and was called to the Nigerian Bar after completing his studies at the Nigerian Law School in Lagos. His commitment to professional growth is evident in the leadership courses he attended at Harvard Business School and Lagos Business School.
He is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the International Bar Association, and the International Law Societies of London.
Abubakar’s tenure as Chairman of Niger Insurance Plc for nine years showcased his leadership skills, including conflict resolution and stakeholder management. His dual focus on strategic direction and operational efficiency in his previous roles positions him well to address challenges in the maritime sector.
His appointment has been described as a masterstroke aimed at revitalizing NIMASA, with stakeholders hopeful for enhanced compliance, security, and infrastructural development.
At NIMASA, Abubakar is expected to leverage his vast experience to boost the agency’s regulatory and developmental roles in Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Established in 2006, NIMASA focuses on developing shipping and regulatory matters related to merchant shipping and seafarers. The agency oversees shipping licenses, seafarer regulations, and compliance with safety standards in ship construction and navigation.
His appointment takes immediate effect.
