By Diana Omueza

Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, has charged the inaugurated Governing Board of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) to be guided by national interest.

Oyetola gave the charge on Wednesday in Abuja, during the inauguration of the board.

He said that the new board was part of President Bola Tinubu’s vision to reform institutions, enhance trade facilitation, and unlock the potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the board is chaired by Mr Yusuf Abubakar, while other members include Mr Babatunde Bombata, Mr Emmanuel Igbinosun, and Rear-Admiral Patrick Nwatu.

Other members are Mr Yinusa Yakubu, Mr Fidelis Lorkoso, Ms Iroghama Blessing-Ogbeifun, Dr Dayo Mobereola, Mr Chudi Offodie, Mr Fatai Taye-Adeyemi and Mr Jibril Abba.

The minister said that the board was expected to deepen governance of the agency and ensure Nigeria was well positioned to harness significant economic opportunities from shipping, fisheries, coastal tourism, offshore energy, and marine biotechnology.

“This bold initiative aims to provide dedicated focus and strategic leadership in the development, regulation, and promotion of the country’s ocean-based economy.

“I must emphasise that the decisions and policies of this board must be guided by national interest and directed towards the betterment of Nigeria and the advancement of our economy.

“As board members, your role is to provide strategic direction; while your duty is to guide, question and uphold the values of transparency, accountability, and national service which this administration is fully committed to.

“You are to support the management team of NIMASA while holding them to the highest standards of performance,” he said.

The minister stressed that the primary responsibility of the board was to provide oversight and strategic direction, not to micromanage.

He reiterated the non-executive nature of the governing board and cautioned against interference in the day-to-day management of the agencies.

Oyetola assured that the ministry would actively support the board and ensured that NIMASA got the necessary institutional backing and conducive environment to carry out its functions effectively.

Earlier, Mr Olufemi Oloruntola, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, said that the establishment of the board was to reposition the Agency for greater efficiency, impact, and alignment with national economic objectives.

“With your appointment, a great deal of trust has been placed in your collective capacity to provide policy direction, oversight, and strategic guidance,” he said.

Responding, Abubakar, thanked Tinubu and Oyetola for the opportunity to serve and pledged to work in total alignment with the policy trust.

He also promised that the board would work in synergy with the management to foster transparency, accountability and efficiency of the agency.

“The task is clear, and the board is fully aware and prepared, we are resolute and committed to oversight of NIMASA and we will work with the management to foster transparency and enhance performance,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Deborah Coker