President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has given his approval for Nigeria to host the Regional Maritime Development Bank and appointed Adeniran Aderogba as President and Chief Executive Officer.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, disclosed this through a press release signed by his Special Assistant on Media and Communication, Mr Bolaji Akinola.
This approval marks the historic takeoff of a project that has been in the works since 2009, when member states of the Maritime Organization of West and Central Africa (MOWCA) first approved the establishment of the bank.
The Minister, in his remarks, maintained that the regional bank was significant for Nigeria and the entire West and Central African sub-region.
He said, “After 16 years of waiting, the Regional Maritime Development Bank is finally taking off, thanks to the decisive leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“His approval not only breaks a longstanding deadlock but also reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration, maritime development, and economic cooperation.”
He said that the Regional Maritime Development Bank is envisioned as a dedicated financial institution that will provide long-term funding solutions for port infrastructure, fleet acquisition, shipping logistics, and intermodal transport systems.
He added that It is a cornerstone initiative aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes infrastructure development, inclusive economic growth, and regional partnership.
The Minister said Mr. Aderogba brings over three decades of strategic experience in maritime administration, finance, and investment.
“His appointment is a bold and competent choice that will steer the bank from conception to impact,” he said.
His extensive career spans the public and private sectors, as he has previously served as Executive Director, Finance and Administration at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and was later appointed Acting Director General of the agency. In the financial sector, he held senior leadership roles at First Atlantic Bank Plc and MBC International Bank Ltd, where he oversaw investment banking and structured trade finance.
He is also the founder of CLG Securities Limited, a financial advisory and investment services firm. Over his career, he has led transactions exceeding US$5 billion across diverse sectors, including landmark deals recognized internationally.
Aderogba also began his career with KPMG, where he gained foundational experience in auditing and financial consulting.
“The appointment of Mr. Aderogba and the operationalization of the RMDB will catalyze development, boost trade, and unlock funding for critical maritime infrastructure,” the Minister stated.
