The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Tuesday inaugurated the newly constituted Governing Board of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), urging members to provide strategic leadership and ensure the agency fulfills its statutory responsibilities in alignment with national economic objectives.
The inauguration ceremony, which took place at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja, was attended by key maritime stakeholders, directors of NIMASA, senior officials of the ministry, and the Honourable Speaker of the Commonwealth State House of Assembly.
In his address, Oyetola conveyed the greetings of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and reiterated the administration’s commitment to the transformation of the Nigerian maritime sector as a critical pillar of the nation’s economic diversification efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The Nigerian coastline, stretching approximately 853 kilometres along the Gulf of Guinea—one of the world’s most strategic maritime corridors—offers immense opportunities for shipping, fisheries, coastal tourism, offshore energy, and marine biotechnology,” Oyetola stated. “The establishment of the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy by President Tinubu is a bold step aimed at unlocking these potentials through focused leadership and strategic governance.”
The minister emphasised that NIMASA, as one of the flagship agencies under the newly created ministry, holds a central role in the sector’s transformation. He reminded the new board members of their critical oversight function as provided under Section 6 of the NIMASA Act 2007, which mandates the board to formulate policies for the effective administration of the agency and ensure its statutory responsibilities are adequately discharged.
“Your appointment by Mr. President is not by chance. It is based on trust in your capability to steer one of the nation’s most vital agencies. Your role is to provide strategic direction, guide policy, ask the right questions, and uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and national service,” the minister said.
Oyetola specifically charged the board to avoid micromanaging the day-to-day operations of the agency, in line with President Tinubu’s clear directive that board members must focus on oversight and strategic policy formulation rather than operational interference.
“I must remind you that your primary responsibility is to provide strategic guidance and not to encroach on the agency’s executive functions. The non-executive nature of the chairperson’s role must be respected to allow the management team to operate effectively while being held to the highest standards of accountability,” Oyetola added.
He expressed confidence in the leadership of the newly appointed Chairman of the Board, HamisuYusuf, urging the board under his guidance to work harmoniously with NIMASA’s management to achieve greater heights.
In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Oloruntola Olufemi, described the inauguration as a significant step in repositioning NIMASA for enhanced performance. He commended the Honourable Minister’s leadership and assured the board of the ministry’s continued support.
“The establishment of this board is integral to strengthening NIMASA’s governance structure and aligning the agency’s operations with the broader vision of President Tinubu’s administration. We trust in your ability to bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to the work ahead,” Olufemi said.
In his response, the newly inaugurated Chairman of the Board, Hamisu Yusuf Abubakar, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for the confidence reposed in the board members, describing the appointment as both an honour and a national duty.
“We consider this appointment not just a privilege, but a call to serve with integrity, vision, and unwavering commitment to the ideals of the Renewed Hope Agenda. We are fully aware of the pivotal role NIMASA plays in achieving Nigeria’s economic diversification and harnessing the enormous potential of our blue economy,” Abubakar said.
The chairman pledged that the board would work collaboratively with NIMASA’s management to entrench a culture of professionalism, transparency, and innovation in the agency. He further assured that the board would provide strategic oversight and policy direction that would strengthen NIMASA’s institutional capacity and drive sustainable growth in the maritime sector.
“We will work as one team, united by purpose and driven by results, to ensure that the vision of Mr. President for a prosperous and secure maritime domain is fully realised,” Abubakar affirmed.
He also extended gratitude to the Honourable Minister for his leadership and assured him of the board’s alignment with the ministry’s strategic direction.
The new governing Board members include
Mr. Yusuf Abubakar – Chairman
Babatunde H. Bombata, DMSS (FMMB&E) – Member
Emmanuel Nosakhare Igbinosun (FML) – Member
Rear Admiral PC Nwatu – Member
Arc. Yinusa Yakubu – Member
Fedelis Lorkoso Agbir – Member
Iroghama Blessing Ogbefiun – Member
Dr. Dayo Mobereola, DG (NIMASA) – Member
Hon. Chudi Offodile, ED, F & A (NIMASA) – Member
Engr. Fatai Taye Adeyemi, ED, Operations (NIMASA) – Member
Mr. Jibril Abba, ED, ML&CS (NIMASA) – Member
