Minister Oyetola Nuovo Council NPA Tasks, MGT on cooperation, positive reforms

Honorable Minister of the Navy and the Blue Economy, his excellence Adgboyega Oyetola, with (first row, in the center); Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Economics Marina and Blue, Mr. Olufemi Oloruntola (third left); Prime Minister Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Senator AdeDayo Adeyeye (right 3); The CEO of NPA, dr. Abubakar Dutsoho (left) and other council members when Oyetola inaugurated the NPA board of directors in Abuja on Monday.

Minister Oyetola Nuovo Council NPA Tasks, MGT on cooperation, positive reforms

The Minister of the Navy and the Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola invited the recently inauguration of the Authority of the Port of Nigeria (NPA) and its management to collaborate and work harmoniously to be based on the positive reforms pursued to develop the country’s economy.

He made the call during the official inauguration of the new Board of Directors of the Authority for Nigerian ports (NPA), in the Ministry’s conference room in Abuja on Monday 30 June 2025.

He said that the inauguration marks a significant milestone in the efforts in the course of the Federal Government to reposition the maritime sector as an engine of national economic development.

Oyetola described the inauguration as a vital step to strengthen the NPA governance framework and align it with the wider vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to reform and revitalize the institutions of the key government.

According to the minister, the move also underlines the commitment of the administration company for institutional reforms aimed at improving the facilitation of trade, increasing transparency and unlocking the full potential of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy in an inclusive and sustainable way.

He observed that the NPA law assigns critical responsibilities of supervision of policies to the Board of Directors, in particular in the areas relating to staff and budget issues. These roles, he said, are mainly carried out through the Council staff and the institution committee and its financial committee.

However, he underlined that the daily management of the Authority remains the exclusive responsibility of the CEO and the executive management team.

He stressed that the distinction is vital for operational integrity, as clearly outlined both in the NPA law and in the 2007 public contract act.

The minister said: “It is important to underline that daily operations and the execution of political decisions remain the responsibility of the CEO and the Management Team. This is clearly provided for in section 10 (3) of the NPA law and further strengthened by the provisions of the law on public supply, 2007. Chiari borders between governance and management must be maintained for operational efficiency.

“The Board of Directors must provide the direction and supervision of policies in line with the government directives, but must not interfere with routine management or operational execution.

“For the management of the authority of the Nigerian ports, I have to engage in in a constructive way with the Board of Directors in a way that reflects professionalism, mutual respect and shared responsibility. The institutional harmony is vital and this can only be achieved through cooperation, transparency and unwavering dedication to the national service.

“For the members of the recently inauguration board, I congratulate you. I urge you to approach this assignment with discipline, concentration and a firm commitment for national interest. Your role is fundamental for the development of a competitive and efficient port system – one that satisfies global standards and contributes significantly to the economic transformation of Nigeria”.

Speaking on behalf of the Board of Directors just inaugurated, the president of the Board of Directors, Senator Adadayo Adeyeye, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the trust placed in him and the other members of the Board.

He also extended his appreciation to the Minister for his support during the appointment and the inauguration process by adding that he was a pillar of encouragement whose guide had been decisive for the success of the NPA.

Senator Adeyeye said that the composition of the Board of Directors highlighted the collective experience and skills of its members and praised the CEO and the executive management of the Authority of the Nigerian ports, as well as the permanent secretary of the Ministry, for their warm reception and their evident willingness to work with the new Council.

He affirmed the determination of the Council to work in close harmony with the Directorate of the NPA and the Ministry to guarantee a successful and impact mandate. He underlined the importance of unity and cooperation, describing the minister as the head of the family under whose leadership the advice would have worked with a spirit of shared purpose and without discord.

The members of the Board of Directors of the NPA include the senator Adadayo Adeyeye (president), dr. Abubakar Dutsoho (CEO), Hon. Olabanji Olawale Olateju (member), Hon. Amirudin Tukur Idris (member), Barr. Kelechi Igwe (member), Ekpebide Ebi-Erin Daniel (member) and Dr. Merccy Ilori (member), representing the Federal Ministry of the Navy and Blue Economy.

Others are Engr. Ibrahim Abba Umar (executive director, engineering and technical services), Engr. Olalekan Badmus (executive director, Marine and Operations) and Vivian C. Richard Edet (executive director, finance and administration).